Ondansetron scandal: Family members demand compensation

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Family members of two patients who died after being administered Ondansetron injections have reportedly demanded compensation, Daily Mirror learns. 

A complaint has already been filed with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requesting a fair investigation. The complaint was lodged by the husband of a woman who is suspected to have died after receiving the Ondansetron vaccine while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID). 

However, authorities remain undecided on further action as laboratory test results on the withdrawn drug batches are yet to be released. 

Speaking to Daily Mirror, NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) investigations are still ongoing to determine whether the deaths were directly linked to the injections. 

“No final conclusions can be drawn until comprehensive test results are available,” he added. 

Amid the probe into the withdrawn batches of Ondansetron, a request has been made by the relevant Indian manufacturer to send samples for global testing. 

The NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said steps are now underway to upgrade existing laboratory facilities to meet WHO accreditation standards. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is still considering a request by Indian pharmaceutical company Maan Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd., the manufacturer of the Ondansetron in question, to refer the withdrawn batches to an internationally recognised laboratory for independent testing. 

The company has informed the Ministry of Health that it is willing to bear the full cost of the tests. 

Dr. Wijewickrama said the request is currently under review by the Medicines Evaluation Committee and that a final decision will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations. 

On December 13, the NMRA ordered the immediate withdrawal of four batches of Ondansetron injections manufactured by Maan Pharmaceutical from use in both state and private hospitals following suspicions of possible contamination. 

The drug had reportedly been administered to two patients who later died. Authorities have reiterated that investigations are ongoing and that decisions on accountability and compensation will depend on the outcome of laboratory analyses and expert evaluations.