Health minister Rajitha Senaratne stated that the registration of new pharmacies will temporarily be suspended.
A census carried out via the National Drug Regulatory Authority (NDRA) on all the pharmacies across the island led to the decision being made, Senaratne added.
During a gathering held by the NDRA, for pharmacists and pharmacies, complaints were being made regarding the increase in the level of competition between pharmacies as new stores were being put up frequently.
He further added that some pharmacies didn’t have many of the drugs that are being prescribed.
Upon listening to the comments brought forward, Senaratne stated that all pharmacies currently in business should have at least one pharmacist and a manager on their premises.
