By Shamindra Ferdinando
Organ transplant operations at Western Hospital (Western Infirmary) at Borella, Colombo 08, have been suspended pending investigations into the alleged kidney racket, according to a statement issued by the Health Ministry, dated 05 Dec.
The statement released by Indika Polkotuwa, Media Secretary to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella quoted the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena as having said that transplanting of organs at that hospital has been suspended pending ongoing investigations.
Asked whether the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes has initiated an inquiry into the alleged kidney racket, its President K.A.A.P. Kuruppuarachchi told The Island that the Private Health Services Regulatory Council was inquiring into the claims, in addition to investigations initiated by the Health Ministry and the police.
The Health Ministry statement also quoted Secretary of the regulatory body, Dhammika Alahapperuma, as having said that the medical facility was under investigation over alleged irregularities pertaining to kidney transplants.
Police headquarters said that the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) initiated investigations into the alleged kidney racket after receiving complaints from four men and one woman who were not paid the promised money for the kidneys obtained from their bodies. Police headquarters said that a 41-year-old resident
of Kajimawatta, Colombo 15, has been arrested in this connection. Investigations have revealed that the suspect received money from both the donor and the recipient.
Police identified the suspect as Mohammad Basir Mohammed Rajabdeen aka Bhai.
GMOA spokesman Dr. Chamila Wijesinghe while welcoming the inquiry initiated by the Health Ministry told The Island that the latest disclosure underscored the need for further strengthening of regulatory mechanisms. Referring to such previous cases, Dr. Wijesinghe said that the public were never informed of the outcome of those investigations. “We sincerely hope, the Health Ministry bring investigations into a successful conclusion and take punitive action against those responsible, regardless of their standing in the society,” the GMOA official said.
The official pointed out that the alleged involvement of law enforcement personnel, as well as medical, too, should be thoroughly investigated.
Responding to another query, Dr. Wijesinghe said that there seemed to be no basis for claims as regards transplanting of testicles and that may have been a red herring to divert attention away from the alleged kidney racket that has been going on for years with authorities turning a blind eye.