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Sterilisation story, 'highly unlikely’: Prof. Senanayake

4 June 2019 07:46 am - 22     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Professor Hemantha Senanayake, Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and Former Chairperson of Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists speaking to the Daily Mirror said despite allegations still being levelled, the "sterilisation story is highly unlikely" because usually, in the presence of other medical officers, it isn't an easy task to carry out thousands of "wrong C-section deliveries".

He added that the Fallopian tubes are not usually seen at cesarean section, unless it is manipulated into the wound by inserting the hand into the abdomen.

Prof. Senanayake also said the "sterilization story" if not investigated properly and without delay could make a huge negative impact on Sri Lanka’s achievements in maternal care and health which has been globally admired.

"99% of births happen in hospitals in Sri Lanka. At this rate, people will be afraid to deliver their babies in hospitals. People should focus on facts that are verified. They should not act on just emotions and rumours," he said.

He said there are two ways to check whether Fallopian tubes are damaged. One is taking an x-ray and the second method is laparoscopy, a surgical procedure in which a fibre-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen area.

Airing his views about the investigation, Professor said a group of experts including Obstetricians and Gynecologists should lead this investigation, and not a set of administrative officers. He also added that an internal inquiry into the allegations isn't adequate and the inquiry should be on national level as it has already become a nationally important topic. 'We have enough human resources to do such an investigation," he said.

According to Prof. Senanayake, cesarean operations in the country are increasing. Currently, 39% of deliveries are cesarean. Developed countries like USA and UK also have lesser percentage of cesarean operations and they are still attempting to decrease the rates.

He emphasized that an impartial, speedy and transparent investigation should find the facts and take necessary action regarding the case. (Piyumi Fonseka)


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  Comments - 22

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  • Udage Sumanadasa Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:12 AM

    The investigation is currently being carried out by the Bhikkus, Media, Professionals with professional jealousies and wicked politicians. The President and the government did not grasp or do not want to grasp the cruel national and international implications of this framed up charges.

    Santh Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:12 AM

    The problem with this strange profession is that they are so much hyped up that they would help one another without a question to maintain the artificial reputation of their profession.

    Joseph Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:37 AM

    We can not trust anybody's words in this world where money is the might. A thorough investigation should be carried out.

    DhanapalaG Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:38 AM

    Rather than saying Highly Unlikely take a few sample cases and do the two tests suggested and stop various theories. If there is some issue proceed with more cases.

    C.de silva Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:50 AM

    What Prof.Senananake highlighted is the absolutely correct position. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka all matters are governed by Media, Priests and people who have no knowledge whatsoever on the subjects they talk about.

    Yehiya Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:51 AM

    This is not limited to relevant area , big hit to all surgeons

    Fred Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:55 AM

    finally some authoritative sensible comments

    S.Sangaralingham Tuesday, 04 June 2019 08:56 AM

    Technology is there to investigate. Why prolong the agony of the parties both the doctor and patients.investigations will help to clear any doubts of the patients concern.

    sharm warn Tuesday, 04 June 2019 09:34 AM

    Dear sir, we have lost our faith in you doctors due to very many reasons along the way. However, this is not just a political issue but a human issue. Your GMOA was on a head stand against SAITM claiming its a threat o the lives of common general while there were no practical incidents from SAITM students till to date. Pls think twice before you say something.

    Lord Wolfstein Tuesday, 04 June 2019 09:38 AM

    Most likely, the statement by Professor Hemantha Senanayake is correct. It shows again how quickly obviously false rumours spread unchecked in this country. This also happens with the help of the media, which take over these rumours unchecked. This does not exactly show a responsible, professional and ethical journalist's work.

    SAM Tuesday, 04 June 2019 09:41 AM

    According to Media there have been Mothers who are suspecting of this exercise dated as late as 2010. Why have this happened till now. So it seems the previous as well as present Health minister have known nothing about it.

    Soma Perera Tuesday, 04 June 2019 09:53 AM

    Whatever is carried out in surgery is written down. It's a team work. If sterilisation is done there was a reason for it. Usually after the birth of five or more children to protect the life of the mother and in discussion with the party concerns and if willing sterilisation is done. Layman's knowledge is dangerous. If this has been a Sinhala doctor this upheaval would not have happened.

    Ponniah Phelps Jeganathan Tuesday, 04 June 2019 09:59 AM

    Delaying this type of issues will give chance to politicians to create havoc in the country.

    mnsmart Tuesday, 04 June 2019 10:21 AM

    Respect the Professor for voicing at a crucial moment

    Raj Tuesday, 04 June 2019 10:30 AM

    39% cesarean means we have a solid place in the top 5 countries. Looks nowadays mothers finding easy way out!

    Lal Tuesday, 04 June 2019 10:44 AM

    I have very high regards on professor Hemantha. he saved so many mothers

    palitha Tuesday, 04 June 2019 10:57 AM

    Sterilization story is a political game SLPP is behind this it will take some time for us to find out the real truth

    JeffK Tuesday, 04 June 2019 11:24 AM

    Then College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists should answer to the nation how 500 odd mothers are childless after their fist cesarean operation. That sounds like a medical system that is totally failed.

    Yoosuf Tuesday, 04 June 2019 12:22 PM

    Sri Lankans should start thinking with brian than ears, till that I don't think this country never gonna recover from anything

    decentgent Tuesday, 04 June 2019 12:26 PM

    Prof Hemantha's comments are very specific and valid points. Why mothers who have undergone cesarean way back in 2010 have waited so long to allege allegations about this doctor.

    Saman Tuesday, 04 June 2019 01:09 PM

    How can anyone justify to fools, who believe there is wandapeti

    Sambo Tuesday, 04 June 2019 01:28 PM

    Our politicians and our not so educated people and are very fast in getting into conclusions. Some clergy think they know everything and go on setting fire to the country. We know all these are comedians just trying to hang onto power at any cost.


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