The management of a private hospital in Kegalle has been fined Rs. 520,000 after being found guilty of using and storing expired medical supplies and chemicals, as well as overcharging patients for a blood test.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had filed three charges against the hospital before the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court following a special raid conducted on July 24.
During the inspection, CAA officials found that the hospital had charged Rs. 500 for a Full Blood Count (FBC) test, despite the controlled price being Rs. 400.
Officials also discovered 20 packs of expired HCV Rapid Test Cassettes and expired chemicals used for Clinical System Analyzers, including System Cleaning Solution and Acid Solution, stored in the hospital laboratory.
Meanwhile, 23 packs of expired UNOLOK Single-use Hypodermic Needles had been displayed for sale at the hospital pharmacy.
When the case was taken up before the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court, the hospital management pleaded guilty to all three charges.
The Magistrate subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 520,000 on the hospital management.
The CAA has urged the general public to report any private hospitals or laboratories found using expired medicines, chemicals or medical equipment, or charging prices above the approved rates.
Such information can be reported to the Consumer Affairs Authority by calling 1977 during office hours.
