Doctors at major state hospitals are increasingly hesitant to prescribe medicines or surgical items from private pharmacies due to recent legal action against Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a prominent neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.
Dr. Wijeratne is currently facing allegations of selling medical equipment worth Rs. 50,000 to patients for Rs. 175,000 through a private company. This case has created fear among doctors, who now avoid directing patients to purchase essential items externally—even when those items are unavailable within hospital stocks.
As a result, critical surgeries are being delayed or suspended, particularly at the Colombo National Hospital and Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. Items such as suture materials, orthopedic equipment, and certain painkillers are reportedly in short supply, but doctors fear accusations of misconduct if they recommend private purchases.
The medical community is calling on the Health Ministry to issue clear guidelines to avoid further delays in patient care. Meanwhile, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) expressed concern over non-medical individuals making public comments on complex medical decisions, warning this could erode public trust in the country’s healthcare system.
