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Panadura Hospital in diaper scandal

25 May 2021

  • Ward staff allegedly asked female Covid patients to perform elder care

  • Allegation concerns being asked to change diapers

By Dinitha Rathnayake   An internal investigation is to be carried out by the Panadura Base Hospital management based on an allegation that several female patients at the Covid-19 ward of the hospital had been asked by the ward staff to change the diapers of elderly patients. Speaking to The Morning, the Deputy Director General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said that while the Ministry was informed about this alleged incident, it is not clear if such an incident in fact took place. “We heard about this incident but we need to clarify if it is a rumour or whether it is the truth. We need to have more background information to confirm that. Therefore, we have advised the Panadura Base Hospital administration, including the Hospital Director, to carry out an internal investigation regarding this incident,” he added. Prior to this alleged incident, the Panadura Base Hospital gained unwanted attention on 23 May when a Covid-19 infected journalist revealed how he and several other patients had to sit on the ground as there was a shortage of beds and that even spaces between most beds were occupied with people sleeping on mattresses placed on the floor or on mats. In response to said incident, the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena has called for a report from the Panadura Base Hospital authorities.   


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