PARLIAMENT

• National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) turned away
• 3 recommendations given to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority including suspending the decision taken by the Board of Directors

National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) was summoned before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) which met on 04.10.2023 Chaired by Hon. (Prof.) Ranjith Bandara, Member of Parliament.

The reports of the Auditor General for the years 2019 and 2020 and the current performance were to be examined at the Committee meeting held. However, COPE pointed out that based on a decision taken by the Board of Directors of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority on 18.08.2023, the Auditor General's staff is required to make written requests when requesting information from the Authority and that this is a violation of the powers assigned to the Auditor General by the Constitution.

Therefore, the COPE was of the opinion that this is a violation of the powers of the Parliament. Furthermore, it was disclosed that the Secretary to the Ministry of Health was not aware of this Board of Directors decision. In particular, the COPE Chair pointed out that this decision affects the independence of the Auditor General and this situation should not happen. COPE gave strict warnings to the officials present.

Accordingly, COPE gave three major decisions to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

1.  Issuance of a circular by the Secretary to the Ministry to the heads of all institutions under the Ministry of Health stating that they should act in accordance with the powers of the Auditor General.
2.  Suspension of the decision taken by the Board of Directors of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA)
3.  National Medicines Regulatory Authority to summoned on a date recommended by the Auditor General.

Members of Parliament Hon. Nimal Lanza, Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Hon. Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. Madhura Withanagee and Hon. (Prof.) Charitha Herath were present at this committee meeting held.