The Bribery Commission had begun investigations in 2023 into the specialist doctor at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, who was arrested and remanded in connection with selling medical equipment at higher prices through a third party, it was reported.
According to Ada Derana, more details have been revealed of the fraud committed by the three suspects, including Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, who is a neurosurgeon at the hospital.
Per the facts that have since been uncovered by the Bribery Commission, the doctor in question has been selling External Ventricular Drain (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt devices, which are required for neurosurgery, through third parties at a value higher than the market price.
Although the market value of the equipment is between Rs. 30,000 and 60,000, it is reported that she sold them for between Rs. 120,000 and 250,000.
It has been found that this racket was initially carried out through a company founded by the doctor’s husband, and that after his death, the relevant transactions were carried out under her name.
It is stated that these surgical instruments were sold at an inflated price with the assistance of the two people currently in remand custody with her.
Even though the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital can obtain this equipment through annual estimates, the doctor in question had carried out this racket without going through that procedure.
It is said that this doctor had provided the telephone number of one of the two suspects currently in remand custody to the patients’ family members and had sold these devices through him.
Investigations by the Bribery Commission have revealed that the money received from the sale was credited to the accounts of the doctor and the relevant person.
The probe has found that this racket has been carried out by not providing patients with the relevant prescription in order to prevent them from purchasing these devices from other institutions.
The Bribery Commission has already recorded the statements of 75 patients who underwent surgery under her, and they are scheduled to obtain the statements of a total of about 300 patients.
Based on the information revealed by the 75 patients whose statements have been recorded by the Bribery Commission, the three, including the doctor, have earned approximately Rs. 30 million. (Newswire)