Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Doctors for Medical and Civil Rights, has raised serious concerns over the disposal of substandard medicines, surgical items, and chemicals by the Ministry of Health’s Medical Supplies Division over the past two years.
Citing a recent National Audit Office report, Dr. Sanjeewa revealed that a private company was paid Rs. 109.7 million in 2023 and Rs. 13.4 million in 2024 for the disposal of expired or faulty medical supplies.
He alleged that these payments were made without proper procurement procedures, including the absence of competitive bidding and the necessary approvals from the technical evaluation and procurement committees.
“The report highlights that payments exceeding the agreed amount were made, raising serious red flags about financial accountability within the Medical Supplies Division,” Dr. Sanjeewa said.
He further claimed that large quantities of substandard medicines and surgical equipment remain stored at facilities in Kerawalapitiya, Galle, Iranamadu, and Anuradhapura, posing ongoing risks to the healthcare system.
Attempts to bring these issues to the attention of the Deputy Health Minister have so far gone unanswered, he added.
Calling for a comprehensive investigation, Dr. Sanjeewa demanded that those responsible for the mismanagement and irregularities be held accountable.
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