Cancer hospital pharmacist arrested over illegal sale of medicines

A pharmacist of the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama has been arrested by the Bribery Commission while accepting money to issue drugs.

Acting on a tip-off, bribery officers arrested the pharmacist who was involved in selling medicines while working as a government hospital pharmacist, Director (Investigation) of the Bribery Commission SSP Nuwan Asanka said. 

“The arrest was made when the suspect sold a medicine meant for cancer patients at the hospital for Rs.21,000. Desperate families of cancer patients are paying the suspect exorbitant amounts for medicine,” SSP Asanka said.

Bribery officers also raided the suspect’s house in Maharagama.

“We found large stocks of medicines with some containing the government emblem as well,” he said. The suspect and his wife both are pharmacists attached to the Cancer Hospital.  

The Bribery Commission is conducting further investigation. 

Pediatric Oncologist of the Cancer Hospital Dr. Sanjeewa Kulasekara told the media on Wednesday that the hospital is currently facing a shortage of medicines.  

“Annually about 250 children die from cancer in the country and every year about 900 children are detected with cancer. We have been managing medicines gifted by donors to treat cancer patients,” he said.