Health Ministry's interim committee seeks to increase members in order to conduct probe into Kurunegala doctor

The interim committee of the Health Ministry appointed to probe into the Kurunegala doctor accused of sterilising women, has sought the expansion of its members to conduct a thorough investigation in light of the many complaints that have been levelled against the doctor.

This suggestion was among the four recommendations submitted to Health Ministry Secretary Wasantha Perera by the six-member committee led by Health Minister Director Dr Anil Samaranayake, the Health Ministry said in a  release.

The interim committee was appointed to probe into Kurunegala Hospital doctor Mohamed Shafi who is alleged to have sterlised women during cesarean procedures.

The committee had explained in its report that a larger committee was required to investigate into the rising number of allegations against the doctor since it had taken place over several years, the Health Ministry said.

Further, the committee's report had suggested that the complaints made by women who claim to have been sterilised must be investigated.

While recommending that the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital should extend its support to the ongoing inquiry, the committee sought details of all mothers who claim to have been sterlised, and the medical staff who were present during the C-section procedures.

The committee also recommended that the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital should extend its support to the ongoing inquiry.