Mothers who complained of sterilization by Dr Shafi to undergo tests - Police

A special investigation board will conduct tests on mothers who have complained against Kurunegala Teaching Hospital doctor Mohamed Shafi, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

These tests would be carried out at the Castle Street Hospital and at the De Soyza Maternity Hospital, Mr. Gunasekara told the press today (Jun 19).

The Colombo Judicial Medical Officer will head the investigation which would include two other specialist gynaecologists and obstetricians.

Mr. Gunasekara added that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has obtained a court order instructing the Health Ministry to supply the required equipment to carry out these tests.

Meanwhile, the CID has recorded statements from 758 persons while probing allegations against Dr Shafi who has been accused of sterilising women during C-Section procedures. This includes 601 mothers and several other medical staff, police said.

The CID has also obtained a court order instructing the Health Ministry to submit the number of C-Section proceedures at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital over the last five years and the number of complications which had been reported during this time period.