Shriyani Wijesinghe
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the Health Secretary, has directed Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital to promptly investigate a surgeon who allegedly stopped performing surgeries after removing both kidneys from a female patient.
According to Dr. Mahipala, a special team from the Ministry of Health will conduct a detailed investigation to uncover the truth and determine responsibility for the incident. He stressed that such events should not occur in any hospital and emphasized the need for an unbiased investigation.
Dr. Mahipala also stated that the hospital administration, which includes a board of directors, is responsible for addressing this issue and preventing future errors. He has instructed the hospital to provide a resolution for the problems faced by the patient, B.G.N. Kumuduni.
Dr. Prabhat Sugathadasa, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association, mentioned that if a formal complaint is filed, the association will begin its investigation. If the surgeon is found guilty, the association will notify its Central Committee and take appropriate action. He also noted that if the Ministry of Health suspends the doctor, the association membership would be automatically revoked.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed that an internal disciplinary investigation is underway. However, the spokesperson also noted that many kidney patients have been affected due to the specialist’s suspension of services. Additionally, a police complaint was filed against an internal audit officer, who had to respond to police inquiries instead of conducting the investigation.
