Probe on amputation pinpoints medical negligence as the cause

12 February 2013 09:56 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The four-member committee which probed the amputation of law student Achala Priyadharshini’s arm has highlighted medical negligence at some point during the treatment of the broken arm as the reason, the Daily Mirror learns.

A health ministry spokesman said the haphazard manner in which her broken hand had been plastered had caused an infection. How and when it happened would only be ascertained after the report has been fully looked into.

Achala is reported to have broken her left hand during a fall at home and admitted to the Urubokka - Heegoda Rural Hospital and later transferred to the Matara Teaching Hospital where gangrene had set in with the arm going dead. Her hand was amputated at the Colombo National Hospital (CNH).

The committee comprising Medical Services Director Dr. Lal Panapitiya, Consultant Physician Dr. Naraendra Pinto, Consultant Physician Dr. Tilak Kollure and Consultant Physician Dr. P. Rtnasena had submitted its report to Health Ministry Secretary Nihal Jayatilaka yesterday.

The spokesman said the committee had recorded statements from some 20 people including the medical staff who treated Achala and from her father.
Dr. Jayatilka is expected to file a report with recommendations to Minister Sirisena based on the committee findings today for appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa told Daily Mirror that in an incident of proven medical negligence, the affected parties have four remedies.

They can complain to the Health Ministry, to the Health Minister directly, to the SLMC or initiate legal action seeking compensation.

The amputation created a huge public backlash and sympathy with President Mahinda Rajapaksa assuring she would be provided with a modern electronic arm. (Sandun A.Jayasekera)

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Comments - 17

chintake Wednesday, 13 February 2013 05:12 AM

We all human doing mistakes. Not purposely. Most of people who commented and who wrote regarding the incident is very bias. Do you think that these people never did any wrong in their duties. They never highlighted. As the doctor said it is her time and doctor's time. How many patients doctor has cured ...??? I am really sorry for the victim and also sorry for the doctor

Ramesh Thursday, 14 February 2013 02:48 AM

Leave the President alone man!

asmee Wednesday, 13 February 2013 07:37 AM

yes! she must be carrying on her life. pls we request from our political leaders to give their favor, and warn those officers who are in charge of hospitals to do ur service to human beings as well.
thanks!

Miracle Child Wednesday, 13 February 2013 07:20 AM

there are few who shouldn't do mistakes in their professional lives...
Doctors,
Pilots, etc
that's why those ppl under go rigorous training and the cream is selected for that...
their Margin for error is ZERO
that's the fact!!!

asoka Wednesday, 13 February 2013 07:16 AM

@ anton...hari hari ewa thiyenawa...passe dennang...

Nate Wednesday, 13 February 2013 12:00 AM

The lives of thousands of patients are in the hands of doctors everyday. I think the saved lives and limbs also need mention in media. via DM Android App

DR rajith ABEYWICKRE Wednesday, 13 February 2013 06:19 AM

BEST THING IS TO APPLY NHS (uk) STANDARDS AND TREatment protocols TO SRI LANKA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

desilva Wednesday, 13 February 2013 06:12 AM

SHOULD THE HEALTH PROVIDERS CONTINUE THE PRESENT SYSTEM,THEN THE PRESIDENT WOULD REQUEST HEAD TO HEAD IN FUTURE!. HOWEVER WHATEVER THE COMPENSATION ,NOT GOING THROUGH PRESIDENT'S POCKET.

Saliya Wickremasuriya Wednesday, 13 February 2013 12:00 AM

Like in medically advanced western countries and those in Singapore and Japan, staff in every medical field must be given orientation. It hardly happens in Sri Lanka. via DM Android App

ANTON Wednesday, 13 February 2013 01:01 AM

She is a law student, she knows the law well. By the way what happened to the money collected by Welikada prisoners ?

Sammy Wednesday, 13 February 2013 05:02 AM

Is there a drop in competency standards amongst doctors in the country?

edward Wednesday, 13 February 2013 04:51 AM

Its too late for this now , yet its learn a lesson from this and never to repeat again , its time to help her in all amenities and gives her bright prospect.

nicky karunarathna Wednesday, 13 February 2013 03:07 AM

In Australia with all medical advances - there are 36000 per year. It call medical misadventures. Human fallability is major cause even in air crashes too.

PRASANNAJIT Wednesday, 13 February 2013 03:03 AM

So what action the Health Ministry is going to take? Also comment made reg the money collected is also important.

dava Wednesday, 13 February 2013 02:58 AM

First and foremost look into why this happened and take action that thing similar will not take place anymore.

DO we have track on how many more innocent people loose their limbs due to neglence of our medical people. Government must take responsibility to this.

Ibadun Wednesday, 13 February 2013 02:57 AM

she must take legal action to set a verdict for future generation and what happened to doctors who did this, are they free to practice (great SLMC, Health Ministry)

Our all law should be change to incorporate to address the modern issues

Gampola doctor Wednesday, 13 February 2013 02:50 AM

The culprits should be punished irrespective of the position.

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Probe on amputation pinpoints medical negligence as the cause

Comments - 17

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