CID probe sought over substandard medical equipment supplied to hospitals

Colombo, June 22 (Daily Mirror) - A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) calling for a comprehensive investigation into the supply and use of substandard medical equipment in government hospitals, amid the withdrawal of cardiac stents, angiogram catheters and colostomy bags.

The Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has requested an investigation into whether the use of these devices had caused serious harm to patients, and whether there were shortcomings in the procurement and registration processes.

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) has already instructed hospitals islandwide to withdraw a batch of catheters used in cardiac angiogram procedures after reports that the equipment could not be used effectively, while also causing side effects and creating potentially dangerous situations.

Earlier, three batches of cardiac stents were removed from use following reports of severe side effects. Three batches of colostomy bags used by patients after bowel-related surgeries were also withdrawn after being confirmed as substandard.

Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said removing defective equipment alone would not resolve the issue and stressed the need for a full investigation into the use of the devices, possible patient harm and those responsible for approving and supplying such equipment.