A forum has recently been established by a group of patients who either died or suffered vision impairments due to drugs imported into the country during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
During his time in office, a significant number of patients experienced fatalities or disabilities as a result of these imported drugs, including various antibiotics, anesthetics, kidney dialysis fluids, and eye medications, which played a central role in these health issues.
Reports indicate that nearly 150 patients were left disabled after consuming these drugs. While several committees were set up to investigate these incidents scientifically, none have yielded any conclusive results.
Although the previous government had promised compensation for both the patients who became disabled and the families of those who passed away under these circumstances, no such compensation has been provided. As a result, a new forum has been formed to pursue justice for those affected.
The forum is led by Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Association, and Secretary of Mr. D.S. Gunawardena, a resident of Galle who suffered from eye-related issues. This committee has been created to represent the affected patients and their families across various regions. Their first goal is to meet with the current Minister of Health as soon as possible to discuss the injustices they have faced.
