Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has requested the Attorney General’s guidance on how to proceed in handling the internal stakeholders,
accountable for the matter involving Isolez Biotech Pharma AG Limited, which is responsible for the controversial medicinal drug scam of 22,500 vials of Immunoglobulin IV 5g vials.
In a letter to the Attorney General, Minister Rambukwella said, on Wednesday (11), that despite the lack of a purchase order from the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) for the said stock of Immunoglobulin IV 5g vials, which preceded the procurement of pharmaceutical products, the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) had acknowledged and accepted the delivered goods, complicating matters and raising questions about the internal processes and stakeholders involved, he said.
The Minister said, “Given the gravity of this situation and the potential breach of regulatory and legal standards, I request your guidance on how to proceed in handling this matter concerning internal stakeholders who are accountable.
Explaining the controversy surrounding the stock of Immunoglobulin of which a portion of the order number had been delivered to the MSD, he said that subsequent complications and adverse events associated with using this drug in State Hospitals had necessitated a comprehensive investigation.
Rambukwella said, during the probe it had been revealed that the particular supplier had not possessed the necessary waiver of registration (WOR) from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) which was a critical requirement for engaging in procuring pharmaceuticals.
He explained that on examination, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NMRA could not find records of evidence indicating that a WOR had been issued to the particular pharmaceutical supplier, raising suspicions of forgery and fraud. “In light of these concerns and to uphold principals of transparency and integrity, a complaint was filed with the CID to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Meanwhile, Rambukwella, wrote to the Health Secretary and heads of all health institutions urging them to immediately suspend and cancel all the orders given to the Isolez Bio Tech Pharma. He had also informed all payments to the particular supplier to be stopped with immediate effect until the completion of all investigations by the CID.
The Health Minister also instructed the suspension and cancellation of orders given to the concerned company.
(ceylontoday.lk)
