State Pharmaceuticals Corporation through its Osusala branches will provide public the recently Gazetted 48 drug items at reduced prices from tomorrow.

These steps were taken by SPC following the instructions given by Health Minister Rajitha Senarthne.

Accordingly, the public will be able to obtain the required drugs from island-wide 32 Osusala branches and other 130 sub branches. Managing Director, SPC, Dr. H.M.M. Rumie said that SPC already have the stocks of those 48 drug items with them. They all have been subjected to a quality check before shipment as well as before issuing to the market.

Meanwhile, Minister Senarathne has also instructed the Health Secretary Anura Jayawickreme to commence a check to look into whether the public receive those drugs at reduced prices. Support from the Investigation Unit of the Ministry, PHIs, Food Inspectors, and the Consumer Affairs Authority will also be obtained. Further, the Secretary has been instructed to conduct raids against the violators and to introduce two contact numbers for complaints. The SPC and the Medical Supply Division were also directed by the minister to import and maintain stocks of drugs to face the possible drug shortages.

Under the second phase, the price of high expensive drugs will be reduced.