Neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and two others, who were arrested over medical equipment fraud, have been further remanded.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the suspects to be remanded until 08 July.
The Bribery Commission arrested specialist doctor Maheshi Wijeratne and two others this month for selling medical equipment at higher prices through a third party.
Per the facts uncovered thus far 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 with the assistance of the two people currently in remand custody with her.
Based on the information revealed by over 70 patients whose statements have been recorded by the Bribery Commission, the three suspects have earned approximately Rs. 30 million through the fraud. (Newswire)