A compensation demand of 100 million rupees has been directed towards Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella concerning alleged eye damage caused by the use of ‘Prednisolone Acetate’, a liquid medication administered post-cataract surgery in the Nuwaraeliya hospital.
The intervention, spearheaded by victim Makkari Rajaratnam from Kandapola, has been initiated through the Invictus Law Firm. Alongside Minister Rambukwella, the demand includes other prominent figures such as Janaka Chandragupta, Chairman of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Prof. S.D. Jayaratne, and several medical professionals and entities associated with the supply and administration of the medication.
Should the compensation not be forthcoming, the law firm has made it clear that legal action will be pursued.
According to the details provided by Invictus Law Firm, Rajaratnam underwent cataract surgery at the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital on April 5th, 2023. Subsequently, on April 6th, 2023, he received post-surgery treatment at the same facility, where Prednisolone Acetate eye drops manufactured by Indiana Ophthalmics LLP India were prescribed.
However, Rajaratnam began experiencing adverse effects, including tearing, discomfort, pain, and headaches, after using the eye drops from around April 19th, 2023. A subsequent medical examination at the National Eye Hospital on May 10th, 2023, revealed a gradual deterioration in his vision due to the use of Prednisolone Acetate.
The law firm asserts that the eye drops in question were substandard, leading to a diagnosis of endophthalmitis among patients who used the medication.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the law firm emphasized that Rajaratnam has now been rendered completely blind in one eye due to the effects of the medication. This blindness has significantly impacted his daily life, leaving him unable to carry out his previous farming activities and resulting in substantial financial loss.
