Fatal Cardiac Stent Scandal
Who is accountable for the tragedy inflicted upon patients
by substandard Indian stents? The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a stern directive to the Ministry of Health, urging the immediate filing of a formal complaint if a criminal offense is established.
Details of a deadly gamble with patients' lives within Sri Lanka's hospital system over the past two years are finally coming to light. This tragedy involves patient fatalities and severe medical complications linked to the use of substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters.
In light of this grave public health crisis, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has directly intervened. The CID has formally notified the Secretary to the Ministry of Health in writing, requesting an expedited ministerial-level inquiry. Should any criminal negligence or wrongdoing be established, the CID has instructed the Ministry to file a formal complaint immediately.
Medical Professionals Demand Accountability
The catalyst for the CID's intervention is a formal complaint lodged by Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Trade Union Alliance of Medical and Civil Rights.
In his complaint, Dr. Sanjeewa strongly demands the identification and prosecution of the individuals, corporations, or institutions responsible for this fraudulent and negligent operation. Furthermore, the Alliance has assured the CID of its full readiness to provide any necessary medical evidence and expert testimony to ensure justice for the aggrieved patients and their families.
Lethal Complications and Product Recalls
The primary subject of this deadly medical scandal is Kish International (Pvt) Ltd, the local agent responsible for importing three batches of Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents manufactured by India-based Meril Life Sciences. The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of these stents imported through the Wattala-based company.
Findings from a technical investigation conducted by the NMRA's Medical Device Evaluation Committee are highly alarming. Clinical data confirms that the use of these substandard stents has subjected patients to the following life-threatening complications.
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Inability to correctly position the stent within the coronary arteries.
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Stent dislodgement post-implantation.
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Acute Stent Thrombosis (sudden and severe blood clotting).
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Failure of the stent to properly expand or deploy.
According to Circular No. MSD/Q/S/2026/7, issued by the Medical Supplies Division (MSD), the recalled product batches are as follows
| SR No. (Registration Number) | Associated Batch Numbers |
| SR 13501504 | BLG 16 / BLG 11 |
| SR 13501409 | BLG 16 / BLG 11 |
| SR 13501506 | BLG 16 / BLG 11 |
The Human Toll and the Road to Justice
The catastrophic impact of these substandard devices extends beyond the tragic loss of human life. These critical defects have forced medical staff to utilize additional surgical equipment, caused severe delays in operating theaters, and inflicted a massive, avoidable financial burden on the national healthcare system. This crisis stands as a grim testament to the consequences of prioritizing profit over patient safety.
The burden of action now rests squarely with the Ministry of Health. The public is watching closely to see whether the Ministry will initiate criminal proceedings against a corporate operation that blatantly disregarded human life, or if this crime will be swept under the rug, as is often the historical precedent. This scandal unequivocally demands that Kish International and all complicit parties face the full force of the law.
#Niromi Subramaniyam
