22 August 2023 07:00 am Views - 734
By Sheain Fernandopulle
The police have initiated an investigation into a tragic incident where a 62-year-old woman passed away after consuming a medicine obtained from a private pharmacy in Ingiriya.
The woman had purchased the medication on July 31 and used it for five days before experiencing complications that led to her hospitalization at the Ingiriya District Hospital.
Subsequently, she was transferred to the Horana Base Hospital where she passed away on Sunday (20).
According to police, the investigation was launched following a complaint from the victim’s family members.
They are currently gathering evidence, including reviewing CCTV footage and obtaining statements from pharmacists and family members. Moreover, it has been alleged that the pharmacist dispensed the wrong medication, providing Methotrexate instead of Methaqualone, possibly due to similar spellings.
However, sources told Daily Mirror that the pharmacy had claimed they were unable to verify whether the patient visited the pharmacy or if the medication was issued on the specific date in question.
The deceased had pre-existing health conditions, including hypotension, diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney diseases.
Since the investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the incident and the specific medication involved are yet to be determined.