The Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) has criticised the medical officer in charge of the Welikada Prison Hospital, alleging that her conduct has made the Prison Hospital a “free area” for elite persons and drug dealers.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday (5), GMOF President Dr. Rukshan Bellana alleged that the Ministry of Health had not taken any action against the said medical officer, even though many parties had lodged several complaints against her conduct. He further alleged that not only elite persons but also robbers and drug traffickers had greatly benefited by the said medical officer's conduct. 

Dr. Bellana further stated that in this situation, prisoners who really needed treatment for certain conditions had not reportedly been admitted to the hospital. “As we know, these people repeatedly say that the Prison Hospital is overcrowded. Therefore, they don’t accommodate certain prisoners. Those prisoners are suffering in cells. But whenever a politician goes to prison, they admit him or her to the hospital. This double standard must be questioned,” he added. 

The GMOF President also blamed prison medical authorities for accommodating former Health Minister and incumbent Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in the Prison Hospital even before he went on remand. 

“According to the normal procedure, any person who is remanded or imprisoned must go to prison first. There, that person would be subjected to a medical test. If there is a requirement to get medical treatment, then he/she will be admitted to the Prison Hospital. But Minister Rambukwella was directly admitted to the hospital. This is a violation of procedure,” he said.

Therefore, he urged the Ministry to look into the matter and take necessary action against the particular doctor who misused the power that she was granted.

Several attempts made by The Daily Morning to contact Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala and the Director of Prison Health Services proved futile.