Raids were conducted by the National Drug Control Authority on 55 pharmacies in Colombo. It was found that all had violated the Drug Control Act in selling medicinal drugs to customers.

The Ministry of Health has decided to conduct islandwide raids on private pharmacies starting yesterday. Initially, raids will be conducted in Colombo, a Ministry spokesman said.

Among irregularities detected were the sale of unregistered drugs, drugs under brand names, prescribing drugs on brand names by doctors and the sale of prohibited drugs.

Action will be taken against all these pharmacies under the Act shortly, he said, adding that in some instances, pharmacies had drugs that were issued to government hospitals.

The Director, Drug Control Authority, Dr. Dhammika Jayalath said that raids will enable the implementation of long due good pharmacy practice guidelines.

Currently there are over 9,000 pharmacies.