• Subject to PSC approval, Dr Haq sent on leave: MOH

The controversial Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. Ruhul Haq, whose actions have come under the spotlight following the revelation that he has continued to hold office despite a suspension imposed by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), has been sent on compulsory leave by the Ministry of Health, The Daily Morning learns.

Haq sparked controversy over the past few weeks as it was revealed that he continued to function as a JMO, and conduct postmortem examinations despite an eight-month suspension imposed on him by the SLMC. He had later told the media that he had submitted an appeal to the Health Ministry regarding the suspension, and as such there was no barrier for him to serve in that position.

However, The Daily Morning reported earlier, citing Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella and senior Health Ministry officials, that although an appeal had been received, the appeal had not been approved.

It is against that backdrop that the Health Ministry has taken steps to send him on compulsory leave, with effect from 14 August.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Health Ministry's Secretary Janaka Sri Chandraguptha said: “Subject to the approval from the Public Services Commission (PSC), we sent him on compulsory leave, as I recall, with effect from 14 August. There is a suspension imposed on him by the SLMC, so this decision was taken until the relevant investigations conclude.”

Following the revelation of Haq continuing to practise despite the SLMC-imposed suspension, several concerned parties had questioned how he continued to hold office, and conduct postmortem examinations.

Allegations of preparing postmortem reports with contradictory findings with regard to the deaths of former businessman Dinesh Schaffter and Hamdi Faslin who died on 28 July at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) due to an infection following a kidney surgery, have been levelled against Dr Haq.

Growing concerns about the conduct of Dr. Haq resulted in concerned parties requesting SLMC to extend the suspension imposed on Haq by way of affidavits, the Health Ministry directing Colombo Chief JMO to furnish an explanation regarding Haq continuing to serve despite the suspension, and eventually the Health Ministry sending him on compulsory leave.