The JVP accuses the Health Ministry of importing sub standard drugs which have failed quality tests.

The ministry had followed correct tender procedures but imported low quality drugs thereby putting the lives of patients in danger, JVP Central Committee member and Western Provincial Councilor Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Denying Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva’s recent statement that the Rubella vaccines were of high quality as proper procedures had been followed in importing drugs from India, Dr. Jayatissa said that about 21 drugs removed from the hospitals during the period from October 07 to 23 had failed the quality tests.

Dr. Jayatissa said: "According to sources, the Health Ministry has removed nearly 60 drugs from Sri Lankan hospitals due to quality failure from October 2008 to September 2009. Thereafter, 21 drugs have been removed for the last two weeks. All drugs five imported from India, including paracetamol were found to be substandard.