The Ministry of Health has suspended a senior medical officer at the Trincomalee District General Hospital following revelations of negligence linked to the deaths of infants during childbirth.
According to the Independent Television network (ITN), the suspension was ordered last Friday by the Health Ministry Secretary after a preliminary investigation uncovered serious lapses in duty.
The inquiry was launched in response to the Government Medical Officers’ Association announcing a strike on April 9, citing the tragic incident of infant deaths.
Investigators found that on April 9, at around 8.45 am, a newborn at the hospital’s maternity ward was in distress. Although a resident midwife raised the alarm, proper medical attention was not provided, and official responsibilities were neglected.
The probe revealed that the mother’s suffering was prolonged, complications were allowed to develop, and even when patients were admitted, adequate care was not given.
Further findings showed that the doctor failed to participate in the delivery, leaving no opportunity to prevent complications. Despite the mother showing symptoms such as fever and cold, medical intervention was lacking.
The Health Ministry noted that similar irregularities in duty had been observed in the past, and these were highlighted in a letter issued by the Secretary.
The Ministry confirmed that disciplinary steps were taken following the misconduct.
The doctor at fault has been identified as a specialist serving as the President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association at the Trincomalee District General Hospital. (Newswire)