The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said the drug Prednisolone (eye drop imported from an Indian company) which was used after cataract surgeries, is not in use for such eye surgeries in Sri Lanka at present, even though operations have resumed. There were 13 patients who suffered complications including reduced eyesight, following its use, and evidence has come to light that the medicine itself was contaminated with a bacteria.
The bacteria in question has infected the eye drop medicine, while in the manufacturing process or while being transported, GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17).
The particular batch of Prednisolone has been withdrawn from hospitals.
“There is clear evidence that the bacterial infection has occurred during the process of manufacture or when it was being transported, and clearly not from the hospitals. Further surveys are being conducted for confirmation” he said.
The Health Ministry has requested compensation from the Indian company in question that exported the said drug.