Cancer medicine prices slashed

Colombo (News1st): The prices of ten high-cost cancer drugs and several medical equipment have been reduced with effect from today (September 01). Minister of Health (Dr.) Rajitha Senaratne made this announcement at the opening of the 39th pharmacy of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation at the Peradeniya University premises. The Minister said the prices of 10 high-cost cancer drugs, 13 selected medicinal products, and two medical devices will be regulated. The price of sugar monitoring systems and sugar monitoring strips used by Diabetic patients will also be regulated. Accordingly, the retail price of glucometers will be reduced by 48% to Rs. 2750 while the price of sugar monitoring strips has been reduced by 44% to Rs. 50. The price of Insulin, a drug used by diabetic patients has been reduced by 32% to Rs. 1200 per 10 milliliters. The Ministry of Health said the relevant gazette notification was released yesterday (August 31).