CID seeks Health Ministry probe into substandard cardiac devices

Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has requested the Health Ministry Secretary to conduct a preliminary inquiry to identify the individuals and companies responsible for the alleged procurement of substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters supplied to hospitals, and to facilitate legal action, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said the Health Ministry had received a letter from the CID requesting a preliminary inquiry following a complaint he lodged on June 19, calling for an immediate criminal investigation into the matter.

According to Dr Sanjeewa, CID Director Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara has instructed the Health Secretary to submit the findings of the preliminary inquiry to the CID to facilitate further criminal investigations.

The request follows complaints over serious complications and deaths allegedly linked to the use of substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters imported and supplied to hospitals over the past two years.

Dr Sanjeewa said the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) suspended the use of the allegedly substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters in June. Through his trade union, he had also called for an investigation into the procurement process and the complications reported in hospitals following their use.

He said he expects the CID to conduct a swift investigation, identify those responsible and submit its findings to the courts.