Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah

¶ 01 Sir, give me two more minutes, please.

¶ 02 Another vital step is strengthening consumer awareness. The public should have easy access to the list of approved medicines and their Maximum Retail Prices—published online and displayed at all pharmacies. Informed consumers are empowered consumers; that transparency will help drive prices down through competition and accountability.

¶ 03 Furthermore, the NMRA should collaborate closely with the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation to ensure continuous supply of essential drugs at affordable prices across the Island. Government bulk purchasing and generic substitution could further reduce costs to patients.

¶ 04 Sir, this is not merely an economic issue, but a moral imperative. The affordability of medicines directly affects the health, productivity and dignity of our people. We cannot allow a system where life-saving drugs are priced beyond the reach of those who need them most. Therefore, I urge this House to support the legislative and administrative measures needed to strengthen the NMRA, enhance its independence, modernize its operations and empower it to regulate medicine prices with fairness and firmness.