Dr. Rukshan Bellana, president of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF), recorded a statement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the ongoing substandard immunoglobulin controversy.

Arriving at the CID headquarters this afternoon (28), Dr. Bellana made a bold claim, accusing former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Health Ministry’s Additional Secretary Saman Ratnayake, and former National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) CEO Vijith Gunasekera as the “masterminds” behind the scandal.

Following his statement, Dr. Bellana left the CID premises, marking another significant step in the investigation. This comes amidst a string of high-profile arrests already made in the case.

Previous arrests include former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta, the Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD), and three other MSD officials. Additionally, the owner of the company allegedly supplying the faulty Immunoglobulin vials through document forgery is also in custody. All six suspects currently await their next court appearance on January 10.

Chandragupta’s arrest followed his voluntarily coming to the CID for a statement. Earlier this week, the CID also recorded a statement from former Health Minister Rambukwella, though his legal team clarified it wasn’t an interrogation but a voluntary clarification process.

The coming weeks are likely to see further developments as the CID delves deeper into the case, seeking answers and potential accountability for those responsible. This case has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, raising concerns about patient safety and potential corruption. The public awaits further revelations and decisive action by the authorities to ensure justice and restore trust in the healthcare sector.