Over 133 complaints received against Dr Shaafi

Colombo (News 1st): Sources from the Kurunegala Hospital said more than 133 complaints were received against Dr Shaafi Shihabdeen, who was arrested on May 24th. Thirteen complaints were submitted to the Dambulla Base Hospital. Meanwhile, a large group of people were present at the Kurunegala teaching hospital today, to submit their complaints against the apprehended doctor. The Public Health Management Officer H.M.K. Herath noted following the recording of all complaints, they hope to conduct medical examinations as soon as possible. He added that all examinations will be conducted with maximum transparency. The Health Ministry appointed a 06 member committee of experts to investigate the complaints against Dr Shaafi Shihabdeen. The committee members are:

• Consultant Dr Anil Samaranayake
• Administrative Services Officer L. A. Basnayake
• Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist (rtd) Dr Lakshman Senanayake
• Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr U. D. P. Rathnasiri
• Consultant in Community Medicine Dr Sanjeewa Godakandage
• Investigating officer S. I. Gunawardena

The Ministry of Health had informed the Sri Lanka Medical Council to conduct an independent inquiry as well. The ministry has also launched investigations into the complaint submitted by a director of the hospital, regarding the attempt made by the suspect to hand over a baby to a third party, by amending the name board. Executive member of the Organization To Protect The Hospital Dr Indika Rathnayaka noted that they cannot accept in any manner the committee that was appointed by the Health Ministry. He added that when considering the views that were expressed by the minister during the media briefing, this committee is not of an acceptable standard. He requested all members at the hospital to refrain from providing any statement to this committee. He also requested that the president intervene in this matter and appoint an unbiased committee to proceed with investigations. Meanwhile, following discussions with the directors of the Kurunegala hospital, locals and religious leaders engaged in a silent protest opposite the Kurunegala Hospital demanding for an unbiased investigation to be conducted. News 1st reporter on site said businesses were closed today as a mark of support to the silent protest. Meanwhile, the health ministry has taken steps to ensure that health administrators do not provide any information other than technical information without the approval of the secretary of the health ministry. Acting Director General of Health Services, Lal Panapitiya stated that all medical administrators attached to hospitals, and other medical units, that come under the purview of the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, must focus their attention towards this matter.