Doctors’ Union alleges use of expired rabies vaccines, calls for public explanation

Colombo, March 18 (Daily Mirror)  - The Chairman of the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has demanded a public explanation from the Health Secretary and the Director General of Health Services following revelations by Dr. Savin Semage, former Executive Director of the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRA), that expired rabies vaccines were used during his tenure.

Dr. Semage made the statement while testifying before the Colombo High Court on March 11 in the ongoing substandard drug case. The vaccines in question are administered to individuals at risk of contracting rabies or those bitten by infected animals. Dr. Sanjeewa described the use of expired doses as “completely unjustifiable” and a serious breach of public trust in Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system.

“The administration of expired vaccines raises critical questions regarding patient safety. If a patient were to die, it would be difficult to determine whether the cause was rabies, complications from infection, or other factors,” Dr. Sanjeewa said.

He also criticized the DRA for its failure to maintain proper standards and oversight, highlighting that the authority has yet to establish a standardized laboratory to ensure the quality of medicines provided to patients. “The public cannot expect meaningful reforms in the health system with officials who act irresponsibly,” he added.

Dr. Sanjeewa further expressed regret over unresolved issues such as reagent fraud at the Colombo National Hospital and alleged corruption and irregularities in pharmaceutical institutions, including the State Pharmaceutical Corporation.

The doctors’ union has called on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into these matters and provide clear information to the public regarding the safety of vaccines and other medicines.