• MCPA alleges that Govt. fears backlash from snr. Health Min. officials 

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) alleged that it is suspicious if investigations into corruption and fraud in the health sector are being continuously delayed due to the Government’s fear of backlash from senior officials within the Ministry of Health.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that despite multiple complaints and audit findings exposing large-scale corruption, fraud, and irregularities that occurred during the tenures of former Health Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, attorney Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, and former Deputy Health Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana, investigations by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have shown little progress.

“In addition to the substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin supply incident, the audits have consistently revealed serious misconduct under the administrations of these former Ministers. These matters have been reported to the CIABOC and the CID with all the evidence, but the efficiency of the relevant investigations is not satisfactory,” he said.

He alleged the delays raise suspicion because several senior officials who held powerful positions in the Ministry during the relevant periods now occupy high-ranking posts in the present Ministry and in other Government and non-Government institutions. “It is regrettable that these investigations are being delayed, possibly out of fear that such officials could disrupt the public service.”  

Dr. Sanjeewa further claimed that certain officials attached to the Ministry even failed to provide adequate support to enforce the law when evidence of corruption under Rambukwella’s administration was first revealed. He added that he has already provided statements several times regarding the relevant complaints but said that no further investigations have taken place. He urged that the President’s attention be directed toward the matter to ensure that proper legal action is taken without political or institutional interference.

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni was not available for comment.