The Government Medical Officers Association of Sri Lanka (GMOA) on Sunday (24) defended its Spokesperson for not commenting regarding the recently busted kidney racket in the first place.  

GMOA Secretary Dr. Nalinda Herath made the observation at a press conference held in Colombo this morning.

Dr. Herath went on to say that the GMOA Spokesperson could not comment regarding the details of the doctors in the first place due to legal obligations.

However, Dr. Herath also admitted that there is a doctor from the GMOA among the six doctors whose names had been published in media reports.

“This was something published in Indian media. There is no evidence to support the charges against this doctor so far,” he added.

However, Dr. Herath vowed action against the member if found guilty by the court. He also accused the Indian media of trying to damage the reputation of the Sri Lankan medical industry through this case.  

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has sought information regarding the doctors who have been accused in connection with the Indian kidney transplant racket, from the respective private hospitals.

Indian police have uncovered information regarding six Sri Lankan doctors from four private hospitals allegedly involved in the kidney racket. The Ministry of Health has also launched an investigation into the allegations.

 
A three-member committee comprising Dr. Kanthi Ariyaratne, Director of Private Health Sector Development, Dr. Deepthi Perera, Provincial Director of Health Services (Western Province), and a senior official of the Health Ministry’s investigative unit has been tasked with probing the allegations. The committee is expected to visit the private hospital where the doctors named by Indian police have performed kidney transplant surgeries. 

Director General of Health Services Dr Palitha Mahipala has instructed to expedite investigations and submit a report within one week. The ministry is expected to take necessary action based on the findings of the committee.