Government continues to purchase medicines from Indian company that supplied substandard drugs – GMOA

20-Dec-2025

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has accused the government of continuing to purchase medicines from India’s “Man Pharmaceutical” company despite confirmation that ten drugs supplied by the company were substandard.

GMOA spokesperson Dr. Samil Sanjeewa called for an investigation into the “drug mafia” behind these purchases.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo on Dec 19, he said the government’s foremost responsibility is to provide quality medicines to the public. He condemned attempts to shift blame onto officials while neglecting responsibility.

He stated that around 100 types of medicines imported annually are substandard. Two patients died after allergic reactions to the injection Ondansetron, imported from Man Pharmaceutical in India. 

Data from the Medical Supplies Division shows that nearly 90 types of medicines imported so far have failed quality tests.

Nine medicines from Man Pharmaceutical had already been withdrawn from use; with Ondansetron, the number rose to ten. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority confirmed bacterial contamination during manufacturing.

He questioned why medicines continue to be purchased from a company that repeatedly supplies substandard products and demanded legal action against those responsible.