CNH reagent scandal probe delay “suspicious” – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) - The delay in the investigation initiated by the Bribery Commission and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the audit inquiry issued regarding the tests carried out using expired reagents in the laboratories of the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) in the past is suspicious, the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said that the government's failure to implement the law against the responsible officials even though it has been almost a year since the audit revealed a number of irregularities, including the purchase of expired reagents and reagents that are close to expiration, is a breach of public trust.

The audit had revealed facts against several hospital administrators, specialist doctors and chemical-related officials who worked at the Colombo National Hospital. 

He also said that it is suspected that the delay in the investigation is due to the fact that many of the responsible officials hold high positions under the current government.

He also said that although the President has been informed on several occasions about the fact that many officials involved in the corruption, fraud and irregularities that occurred in the Health Ministry in the past hold high positions under the current government, there has been no result.