Substandard Immunoglobulin scandal: Big fish still at large

11 December 2023 11:08 am Views - 1702

Colombo, Dec 11 (Daily Mirror) -  Trade unions representing health professionals have raised concerns that the recent arrests made by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections are only targeting lower-level individuals, while the masterminds behind the scandal remain at large.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, representatives of the health trade unions emphasized that the involvement of key figures such as the former Minister, health secretary, and National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) officials cannot be ruled out in such a high-profile case.

Hence, the health unions are urging the CID to expedite their investigations and apprehend the true culprits responsible for this scandal, as the current arrests have failed to address the involvement of higher-ranking individuals.

Dr. Rukshan Bellana, President of the Government Medical Officers' Forum, expressed serious concerns over the ongoing investigations, stating that the failure to apprehend the main perpetrators raises questions about the effectiveness of the authorities' response.

Furthermore, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the fate of patients who have already received these substandard Immunoglobulin injections.

Meanwhile, a senior health official told Daily Mirror that the attention of the new Minister has been drawn to the incident and thus, the Minister has requested the law enforcement authorities to accelerate the investigations.

With regards to the ongoing investigations related to the substandard Immunoglobulin scandal, several officials including the Director of the Medical Supplies Division are currently in remand custody.