The Ministry of Health has launched a comprehensive investigation into a series of suspected deaths occurring at the dialysis unit of Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.
Amid growing concerns surrounding the safety and integrity of the facility, Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Palitha Mahipala, revealed that at least five fatalities have been recorded since January, prompting urgent action.
To address the alarming situation, a five-member committee led by Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige has been swiftly appointed to conduct a thorough inquiry. The committee's mandate includes identifying the underlying causes of the reported deaths and assessing potential lapses in safety protocols.
Preliminary indications suggest that the incident may be linked to the infiltration of unidentified pathogens within the blood dialysis unit.
However, the Health Ministry remains committed to unraveling the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
Rigorous investigations are underway to establish a definitive understanding of the events leading to the tragic outcomes.
In response to the immediate risks posed by the situation, health authorities have taken decisive measures to safeguard patients. The dialysis unit has been promptly shut down as a precautionary measure, with affected kidney patients being redirected to alternative facilities in the vicinity.
