The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) organisation has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into immunoglobulin drugs imported under the present Government.

Immunoglobulin drugs are used to treat a variety of immune system disorders by replacing missing antibodies in those with immunodeficiency syndromes, or by modulating the immune system in those with autoimmune conditions.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that there have been statements made in the Parliament by a certain Parliamentarian and the media that substandard batches of immunoglobulin have entered the country in the recent past. 

“Statements have been made in the Parliament on 21 and 22 August that substandard immunoglobulin drugs have been imported under this Government. They also allege that such drugs have caused harm to patients.”

He noted that these reports have created public distrust and hence urged the authorities to act decisively to prevent questionable drugs from being released into the health system again. 

“We have written to the CID Director, Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara and requested that a comprehensive investigation be carried out into this. The Ministry of Health should also look into these reports and see if any such importation has taken place.”

Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni and Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe were not available for comment.

A batch of immunoglobulin drugs had earlier been suspended from use following the revelation that the local supplier had imported it by submitting forged documents for Customs clearing. Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, former Medical Supplies Division Director Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake and several other government officials had been in remand custody in connection with the incident.