• Claims they take appropriate action if misconduct is found

Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) states that it has the authority to investigate complaints against medical officers (MO) working in prison hospitals if formal complaints are submitted.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, SLMC Registrar Dr. Hemantha Herath said that although the council does not have powers to carry out field inspections like Public Health Inspectors (PHI) do under the Food Act No. 26 of 1980, it does carry out investigations through an established process when a complaint is officially filed.

He added that the SLMC is already looking into a number of complaints and does not ignore any serious allegations made through proper channels.

“If any MO registered with the SLMC – whether working in hospitals or prisons – is accused of misconduct or wrongdoing, and a formal complaint is filed, we first assess whether there is a reasonable basis for the complaint through a preliminary inquiry. If so, the matter is referred to our Professional Conduct Committee (PCC). The PCC follows a quasi-judicial process, where charges are presented, inquiries are held, and appropriate action is taken if misconduct is found.”

The SLMC’s response comes after the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors and the Committee for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights recently called for a formal investigation into several MOs attached to prison hospitals, who are suspected of misusing their authority. There are allegations that some MOs at prisons have issued false medical reports to provide special treatment to certain individuals held in remand custody, including politicians and senior Government officials.

The SLMC is a statutory body established for the purpose of protecting health care seekers by ensuring the maintenance of academic and professional standards, discipline and ethical practice by health professionals including MOs who are registered with it.