The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has fined two medical institutions a total of Rs. 400,000 for serious violations of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act, including possession of expired medicines and overcharging patients for blood tests.
The cases were filed by CAA Jaffna District Investigation Officers following raids in July.
- Northern Central Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd, Thirunelvely – Raided on July 29, investigators found expired eye‑surgery medicines, expired Ether Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide, and expired surgical equipment. The institution pleaded guilty to three charges and was fined Rs. 100,000 per charge, totaling Rs. 300,000.
- New Sun Rise Medi Clinic, Navalar Road – Raided on July 14, the clinic was charged for violating Direction No. 67 by billing Rs. 550 for a Full Blood Count test, exceeding the maximum fee of Rs. 400. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 100,000.
In a special order under Section 60(6) of the CAA Act, the Court directed that details of the judgments against both institutions be published in newspapers to raise public awareness.
The CAA urged the public to remain vigilant and report hospitals, clinics, or laboratories that charge above prescribed fees or keep expired medicines and equipment via the 1977 hotline. (Newswire/ AI Image)