The government has taken steps to provide compensation of Rs. 1 million each to 21 patients who lost their eyesight or suffered vision impairment after being treated with imported substandard drugs during the period when Keheliya Rambukwella served as Health Minister.
The issue first came to light following reports involving patients who underwent eye surgeries at the Nuwara Eliya Hospital during the relevant period.
Of the 21 patients who have received compensation so far, 17 were treated at the Nuwara Eliya Hospital.
In addition, compensation has been granted to four other eye patients who developed complications as a result of the use of the imported drugs during the same period.
Accordingly, the total number of patients compensated to date stands at 21.
