Sri Lanka’s Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the substandard Human Immunoglobulin import issue. The arrest follows a thorough investigation into the controversial import of medical supplies, raising concerns over the safety and efficacy of the crucial vaccine components.
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella (Present Minister of Environment) was arrested today after he came to the CID to give a statement over the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulins.
Thousands of phials of intravenous immunoglobulin supplied by a private company were found to be fake, and a probe revealed that the drug had been produced in Sri Lanka. Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has said that no institution in Sri Lanka is equipped to manufacture immunoglobulin. Former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta was the Health Secretary at the time.
Few days ago, one of the suspects implicated in the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulins, granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court and the other 6-suspects, including former Secretary to the Ministry of Health Janaka Chandragupta, were further remanded until February 15.