Implementation of global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intelectual property

The National Assessment for implementation of the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property (GSPA-PHI) was carried out in Sri Lanka as per the World Health Assembly Resolution 61.21. This is the first assessment carried out in the South East Asia Region (SEAR). The assessment was intended to understand the present status of Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property in Sri Lanka for further national action on GSPA-PHI.

A tool prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used with minor modifications as appropriate in the Sri Lankan context to carry out the assessment. There were several steps in the assessment process. The tool was introduced to the stakeholder institutions at face to face meetings with high officials in the institutions and their support for the assessment was sought. The tool was then sent to the stakeholder institutions for collection of information on areas relevant to the institution. A discussion paper was prepared based on the responses received from them. Representatives of the institutions were then called for a consultative workshop in April 2014 to review and revise the discussion paper. The refined discussion paper was sent to high level officials of the institutions. The national assessment was finalized at a consultative meeting held in September 2014.

The findings of the national assessment are presented in six main sections. They are (i) Health Research and Development, (ii) Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals, (iii) Application and Management of Intellectual Property (iv) Improving Delivery and Access, (v) Traditional Medicine and (vi) Monitoring and Reporting. Each section is divided into subsections in order to give further clarity to the assessment. 

Sri Lanka has a National Science and Technology (S&T) policy. There are several institutions dedicated to promoting research and development (R&D) in general and health R&D in particular. The country, however, has much to do on co-ordination of R&D efforts to support public health objectives. In addition, the investment available for health R&D needs further prioritization. The current capacity to develop health products, particularly pharmaceuticals and related technologies is weak. The pharmaceutical sector, therefore, needs major investments to support public health objectives. Existing processes need to be strengthened further to guarantee continuous access to quality medicines and other health products.