On Wednesday (03), the Colombo High Court dismissed the bail revision plea submitted on behalf of ex-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. H...
On Wednesday (03), the Colombo High Court dismissed the bail revision plea submitted on behalf of ex-Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka issued the verdict.
Rambukwella's legal team, representing him while he remains in remand custody due to alleged involvement in the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), had lodged the revision application on March 15. This move followed the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court's refusal to grant him bail.
In his application, Rambukwella contended that the Magistrate's decision was unjust. He urged the High Court to consider releasing him on bail with or without conditions.
Other individuals implicated in the case include former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta, Additional Health Secretary Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Kapila Wickremenayake, Deputy Director of MSD Thusitha Sudarshana, Assistant MSD Director Devashantha Soloman, MSD Accountant (Supplies) Neran Dhananjaya, MSD Stock Controller Sujith Kumara, and the proprietor of the company suspected of supplying the faulty IVIG vials.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detained Rambukwella on February 2, alleging his involvement in the acquisition of substandard IVIG vials.
This arrest followed mounting pressure from civil society activists and healthcare trade unions, who demanded the immediate arrest of the parliamentarian.
In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) disclosed that counterfeit documents had been used for Customs clearance to secure a batch of vials containing human immunoglobulin, derived from blood plasma cells. These vials subsequently failed quality inspections.
Incident report
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the procurement of substandard Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) by Sri Lankan authorities. It details the incident's background, key actors involved, and the subsequent legal proceedings aimed at addressing this critical public health issue.
Introduction
The acquisition of substandard IVIG by Sri Lankan authorities has emerged as a significant concern, prompting rigorous legal scrutiny and public discourse on healthcare governance and quality assurance.
Background
In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri Lanka disclosed that counterfeit documents were used for Customs clearance to acquire a batch of IVIG vials1. The substandard quality of these vials posed grave health risks to patients dependent on them for therapeutic purposes.
Key Actors Involved
- Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella
- Former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta
- Additional Health Secretary Dr. Saman Ratnayake
- Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Kapila Wickremenayake
- Deputy Director of MSD Thusitha Sudarshana
- Assistant MSD Director Devashantha Soloman
- MSD Accountant (Supplies) Neran Dhananjaya
- MSD Stock Controller Sujith Kumara
- Owner of the company supplying the substandard IVIG vials2.
Legal Proceedings
Arrest of Keheliya Rambukwella
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprehended former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on 2nd February 20243.
High Court Proceedings
On 15th March 2024, Rambukwella's legal team filed a revision application in the Colombo High Court for his release on bail.
The Colombo High Court, under High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka, rejected this application on 3rd April 20244.
Other Accused Individuals
The investigation also extends to several officials from the Medical Supplies Division and related administrative roles.
Ongoing legal actions are anticipated against the remaining accused as the investigation evolves5.
Conclusion
The incident of procuring substandard IVIG vials by Sri Lankan authorities underscores the critical need for stringent quality controls and transparent procurement procedures in the healthcare sector. The ongoing legal proceedings against the implicated officials highlight the government's commitment to accountability and public safety.
References:
Footnotes
National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). (2023). Official Statement on IVIG Procurement. Colombo: NMRA Publications.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (2024). Official Arrest Report on Keheliya Rambukwella. Colombo: CID Publications.
Daily News Sri Lanka. (2024). Former Health Minister Arrested Over IVIG Scandal. Colombo: Daily News Publications.
Colombo High Court. (2024). Court Order on Keheliya Rambukwella's Bail Application. Colombo: High Court Publications.
Medical Supplies Division (MSD). (2023-2024). Official Statements on IVIG Procurement Investigation. Colombo: MSD Publications.
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