The most immediate case in point is an incident in which approval has been granted to import a particular vaccine from Russia, on recommendation by a professor of the Ragama Hospital who has considered an application received by the Drug Regulatory Authority.

The Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division had previously decided to buy this vaccine, trastuzumab, locally in small quantities.

It has now come to light that Baur Company’s price is Rs. 23,000 higher than the normal price for this vaccine.

The private company has filed a court case against the importation of this vaccine and obtained an enjoining order.

Appearing on behalf of this company in the case is the oncologists association, which is being maintained by the company, but not an officially recognized entity.

Health ministry sources say that ending the drug monopoly and implementing the Senaka Bibile drug policy is difficult in such a situation.