Western Hospital moves Court against Health Ministry

Suspension of kidney transplants continues

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena yesterday (28) said that the suspension of organ transplants at Western Hospital (Western Infirmary) was continuing pending investigations into the alleged kidney racket.

Dr. Gunawardena said so in response to The Island query regarding the current status of the investigation. Dr. Gunawardena announced the suspension of organ transplants, at Western Hospital, on Dec. 05.

The DGHS said that the hospital could continue other operations. The top official said that in spite of the Western Hospital moving Court against their decision, the suspension would continue pending the completion of the investigation.

Organ transplant operations at Western Hospital (Western Infirmary) on Cotta Road, Borella, have been suspended pending investigations into the alleged kidney racket, according to a statement issued by the Health Ministry, dated 05 Dec.

The statement released by Indika Polkotuwa, Media Secretary to Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, quoted the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena as having said that transplanting of organs, at that hospital, has been suspended pending ongoing investigations.

Police headquarters said that the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) initiated investigations into the alleged kidney racket after receiving complaints from four men and one woman, who were not paid the promised money for the kidneys obtained from their bodies. Police headquarters said that a 41-year-old resident of Kajimawatta, Colombo 15, has been arrested in this connection. Investigations have revealed that the suspect received money from both the donor and the recipient. Police identified the suspect as Mohammad Basir Mohammed Rajabdeen aka Bhai