Construction work on the Oyamaduwa Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Zone, which is the first Drug Manufacturing Zone proposed to be established in Sri Lanka consisting of a combination of public and private sectors, is scheduled to begin in February.
This was revealed in a discussion held at the Ministry of Health recently. The discussion was held in the Health Ministry auditorium under the patronage of Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
The Ministry, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, National Drug Regulatory Authority, Medical Supply Division officials and a group of representatives from the investment companies were present on the occasion.It was revealed that 11 of the 22 plots in the relevant investment zone have already been given to investors.
The Minister of Health said the aim of this project is to produce all varieties of drugs that can be produced in the country according to international standards and provide high quality drugs at low prices to the people.”At present, about 20% of the medicines required by the country are produced locally and it is hoped to increase the target level to 50% within the next two to three years,” the Minister said.
A variety of medicines as well as a number of surgical instruments are expected to be produced through this industrial zone.The land that housed the Anuradhapura “Deyata Kirula” has been used for this project. Several existing problems have been identified with the Department of Wildlife informing the Ministry of Health that it is ready to provide technical support for the construction of an Elephant Fence for the region.
In addition, land, water and electricity issues of the region were also discussed with Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
The Health Minister said that it is planned to import some of the medicines produced in this way and several such projects are expected to be implemented in the country in the future.The Minister Rambukwella has requested a number of countries to invest in the production of medicines in Sri Lanka.
Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta and representatives of the (Spectrum Phamatech Lanka Pvt. Ltd.) organization which deals with regional development and operations in the proposed pharmaceutical production zone, attended the event.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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