The dengue vaccine promised by the Ministry of Health has yet to be introduced in Sri Lanka, with Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa questioning the delay in obtaining approval from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) for its importation.

Dr. Sanjeewa, President of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, said the Ministry of Health had announced plans to introduce a dengue vaccine to protect the public during the recent major dengue outbreak. However, the necessary steps to bring the vaccine into the country had yet to be completed, he claimed. He said the vaccine costs approximately Rs. 50,000 per dose, meaning that the two doses required would cost more than Rs. 100,000 if obtained through the private sector.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the vaccine is already being used successfully in several countries to help prevent dengue, including among young children.He alleged that suppliers had been seeking approval from the NMRA to import the vaccine for years, but delays in obtaining the necessary authorization had hindered private-sector imports.Dr. Sanjeewa urged the NMRA to expedite the approval process and facilitate the availability of the vaccine through both public and private healthcare services before the next dengue outbreak.