Authorities have decided to pursue legal action against those responsible, similar to earlier cases involving former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and senior health officials. A separate complaint has also been lodged with the Bribery Commission, seeking an investigation into possible financial gains and corruption linked to the matter.
Meanwhile, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has instructed hospitals to temporarily suspend the use of ten medicines until their manufacturing processes are confirmed to meet required safety standards. NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told the Daily Mirror that an urgent circular has been issued to PTC Medical (Pvt) Ltd, directing the company to halt the distribution of injectable medicines manufactured by India’s Maan Pharmaceuticals Ltd until further notice.
The decision follows recommendations made by the Safety and Risk Evaluation Subcommittee on December 16, 2025, after repeated reports of adverse drug reactions, including fatalities. Preliminary investigations by a consultant microbiologist at the National Hospital in Kandy also raised serious safety concerns.
PTC Medical, the market authorisation holder, has confirmed that the affected medicines have been withdrawn from the private sector. Further testing is currently underway at the National Medicines Quality Assurance Laboratory to assess their safety, quality, and effectiveness.
The medicines affected include Ondansetron Injection, Cefotaxime, Co-amoxiclav, Haloperidol Injection, Imipenem with Cilastatin, Iron Sucrose Injection, Meropenem, Piperacillin with Tazobactam, and Sulbactam with Cefoperazone. PTC Medical stated that the withdrawal is a precautionary measure and urged all private hospitals and distributors to comply immediately.
