The expert report regarding the recent medical incidents that were reported in Sri Lanka has been officially submitted to the Ministry of Health, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated.
Taking to Twitter, the Health Minister stated that the full report cannot be fully disclosed due to Doctor-patient confidentiality.
He further stated that, however, conclusions and recommendations, which are now part of public records, have been officially released, he added.
“The report suggests death is attributed to anaphylactic shock. Awaiting results of a quality test of the reported drug after a thorough, independent exam by the National Drug Regulatory Authority (NDQL),” he said.
The Minister added that he had also discussed with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to set up a World Health Organization – funded ‘Benchmark 4’ lab – to qualitatively expedite such queries.
In its conclusion, the expert report claims that five out of the six deaths had been caused due to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly).
Among the five patients who had anaphylaxis, it has been categorized that four adverse drug reactions were likely caused due to the suspected drug.
Thereby, the expert committee has made 12 recommendations, including protocols for emergency management, and institutional clinical audits for all life-threatening adverse incidents reported.
The report comes after several incidents of deaths, including children and adults, were reported at various state hospitals due to the use of sub-standard medicines.
Following the deaths, the Health Ministry had taken immediate measures to withdraw the said medicines and launch an investigation conducted by an expert committee. (NewsWire)
