The Presidential Suite at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, which until now had been reserved exclusively for the use of the Executive President, was opened today (24) for medical treatment of the general public.

According to the President’s Office, following instructions given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ministry of Health, together with the hospital administration, made this decision.

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was built in 1984 as a major aid project of the Japanese government, with a capacity of 1,000 beds. However, in addition to this plan, the Presidential Suite numbered 1001 was added for the private use of the Head of State.

Although the Presidential Suite has been used only on a few limited occasions over the past 42 years since the hospital’s opening, it was maintained continuously without being made available for patients, in anticipation of a President’s visit.

However, from today, this the Presidential Suite will be utilized for the benefit of ordinary patients receiving treatment at the hospital.

The move is in line with the current government policy of deploying state property and resources more effectively to meet the health needs of the people. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has clarified that specialist doctor Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, who was arrested for selling medical equipment at higher prices through a third party, is not a member of the GMOA. 

Addressing the media, GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that the GMOA was not prepared to intervene in the investigations being conducted by various parties, including the Police. 

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe further said that the GMOA will not protect persons who are engaging in such wrongdoings, pointing out that these incidents are negatively impacting the state’s health services. 

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe also revealed that the GMOA has written to the Health Minister recommending action that could be taken to prevent such wrongdoings in the health sector. 

His comments come in response to queries raised on the recent arrest and remand of Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, who is a neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.

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)

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A specialist neurosurgeon and a clerk attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to the Bribery Commission, the duo were arrested over allegations of selling drugs at higher prices.

The Bribery Commission further stated that investigations have found that the specialist neurosurgeon and clerk had sold drugs at higher prices through a third party. (Newswire)

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