Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny as concerns mount over substandard medicines and vaccines, with experts warning that outdated testing facilities are putting patients at risk. Speaking to a weekly newspaper in Colombo, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, Media Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), revealed that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s laboratory has not been upgraded in over three decades, limiting its ability to ensure drug safety.
“Quality medicines should always be provided to the people, but the current laboratory cannot test a full range of drugs,” Dr. Wijesinghe said. “Funds exist, the World Health Organization is ready to assist, and land has been allocated in Narahenpita, yet no decision has been taken to establish a modern facility.”
The warning comes after reports that several patients at Kandy National Hospital’s Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit were exposed to contaminated ondansetron injections. Tests identified Rhizobium bacteria in the vials, which can infect immunocompromised patients such as those in intensive care or cancer treatment. Two patients reportedly died after receiving the drug, though authorities have not confirmed a direct link. The incident prompted the temporary withdrawal of ondansetron and ten other imported medicines, including critical antibiotics.
Dr. Wijesinghe emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation. “We need to know how many doses arrived, how many patients were exposed, and whether deaths or complications occurred. The responsible parties must provide answers immediately,” he said.
He also highlighted structural issues within the procurement and regulatory system. “Ensuring medicine quality is a multi-step process. Each drug must be thoroughly vetted, quality reports reviewed, and approval obtained. Officials must personally inspect manufacturing plants abroad rather than focus on personal interests,” Dr. Wijesinghe said.
Recent agreements with Indian pharmaceutical companies, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, have raised additional questions. The details remain unclear, leaving doubts about whether drugs supplied under these agreements meet safety standards.
Dr. Wijesinghe warned that companies supplying contaminated medicines should compensate affected patients, though some have sought to limit scrutiny by requesting international testing to protect their reputation.
“The health sector in Sri Lanka is in crisis. Public trust is eroding. Without immediate action to modernize laboratories, enforce standards, and ensure transparency, patients will continue to face serious risks,” he said.
