Proposed NMP based on Essential Medicines Concept
The objectives of the NMP being drafted now are:
To ensure the availability and affordability of efficacious, safe and good quality medicines relevant to the healthcare needs of the people in a sustainable and equitable manner.
To promote the rational use of medicines by healthcare professionals and consumers.
To promote the local manufacture of Essential Medicines. While being within the overall health policy of the country, the proposed NMP is to be based on the
Essential Medicines Concept and safeguard the rights of the patients/ consumers and cover all systems of medicine including allopathic, homeopathy, ayurveda, siddha, unani and any other, with policies for these systems being developed in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, the Sunday Times learns.
The proposed NMP is to have the following elements – selection of essential medicines; affordability and equitable access; financing options; supply systems and donations; regulation and quality assurance; quality use of medicines; research; human resources; viable local pharmaceutical industry; and monitoring and evaluation.
It envisages the setting up of a National Standing Committee appointed by the Health Minister on the recommendation of the DirectorGeneral of Health Services and comprising all stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the NMP.
Those participating in drafting the new NMP include Health Ministry medical administrators; NMRA staff; those from the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) & the Medical Supplies Division (MSD); professional organizations/ colleges of doctors; pharmacists & nurses; academic staff of universities; patient groups; Food and Drug Inspectors; those from the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) & the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI); the Finance Ministry; the Consumer Affairs Authority; and the WHO according to a list given to the Sunday Times.