Expired rabies vaccine claim sparks fresh controversy; Health Secretary yet to respond

Colombo, June 15 (Daily Mirror) - A fresh controversy has erupted over allegations that expired rabies (hydrophobia) vaccines were administered to patients, with Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa questioning the continued silence of the Health Secretary and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) on the matter.

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, said statements recently made in court by former NMRA Executive Director Specialist Dr. Savin Semage have raised serious concerns and damaged public confidence in Sri Lanka's healthcare system.

The controversy stems from testimony reportedly given by Dr. Semage before the three-judge Special High Court hearing the case against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella over substandard medicines. During the proceedings, Dr. Semage is said to have revealed that expired rabies vaccines had been administered to patients in order to prevent financial losses associated with destroying excess imported stocks.

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa argued that if such vaccines were indeed administered, the Ministry of Health has a responsibility to provide a clear scientific explanation to the public regarding the circumstances and safety implications of the decision.

He questioned why neither the Health Secretary nor the current leadership of the NMRA has publicly addressed the issue despite the widespread public concern generated by the revelations.

Following media reports on the court testimony, several civil society organizations lodged complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), prompting the Colombo Special Crimes Division to launch an investigation into the matter.

Dr. Semage previously served as Executive Director of the NMRA under the administrations of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and later under Health Ministers Ramesh Pathirana and Nalinda Jayatissa.

Meanwhile, civil society groups have also raised broader concerns over the current functioning of the NMRA, amid growing scrutiny of the country's drug regulatory framework and accountability mechanisms.