Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Professional Association of Civil and Health Organization Officials, has urged authorities to urgently review and regulate the distribution of a new hospital drug system introduced under the current government.
The request follows reports that Ondesterone injections imported from India, used to manage vomiting during surgery and other medical procedures, may pose serious health risks.
Speaking to the media, Mal Sanjeewa highlighted that the Ondesterone injections have been linked to adverse effects, including patient fatalities, when used temporarily. Investigations conducted at the Kandy National Hospital confirmed the presence of live bacteria in the drug vials, a finding verified by the Chairman of the Medical Regulatory Authority, Ananda Wijewickrama.
Earlier, the former Health Ministry official in Rambukkana had confirmed that similar batches of the drug, distributed to hospitals, also contained bacteria. According to the association, this raises serious concerns over public trust in the health system, as the drugs were produced under regulatory standards of the Medical Regulatory Authority.
Mal Sanjeewa criticized the decision to allow the distribution of these injections, calling it short-sighted and dangerous to human life. He urged an immediate review to prevent the widespread risk of contaminated drugs across the country.
He further stated that the issue has already been investigated under the Medical Regulatory Authority, and the Criminal Investigation Department is expected to examine the matter for potential criminal liability.
The association also pointed to past allegations of corruption and negligence by officials during previous health ministry administrations, noting that some officers previously implicated in misconduct continue to hold senior positions, which jeopardizes public safety.
