NMRA imposes regulations for pharmacies

COLOMBO (News1st): Sri Lanka's state-run medicines regulatory body imposed several regulations for pharmacies on Friday, after the government permitted pharmaceutical stores to be kept open in certain areas during the curfew. The Presidential Task Force on Essential Services said that pharmacies can be kept open daily from 9 am to 2 pm in districts which are not declared as high risk zones, and in areas which are not under lockdown. "This decision had been taken to ensure a proper supply of medicines without disrupting the curfew," the task force said in a statement. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) warned that failure of pharmacies to abide by the newly imposed regulations can lead to a suspension or cancellation of the license. Among the regulations were to maintain a distance of one metre between customers and pharmacists, and to make hand sanitizing facilities available at the entrance of all pharmacies. "Only three customers should be allowed to enter a pharmacy at any given time," the NMRA stressed. The regulatory body stated that pharmacies should issue medicines sufficient for a month and maintain records of the customers and their prescriptions. All surfaces including worktops, and doorhandles that may come in direct contact with customers should also be frequently disinfected, the authority added.