Friday Aug 22, 2008
COLOMBO: Blood Bank Director Dr. R.M. Bindusara and a doctor of the Bank Dr. M.I.L.A. Nazeer have been transferred to the Family Health Bureau and Angoda Mental Hospital by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage.

Storekeepers interdicted:

This has been done on the instructions of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to facilitate investigations into activities of the Blood Bank, a spokesman said.

These transfers have been done with the recommendation of the Public Service Commission. Steps have also taken to interdict storekeepers of the National Blood Bank, N.K. Nimal Kura and M.M.L. Tennekoon.

The public, individuals and all organisations can submit their opinions and proposals on the proposed National Blood Transfusion Bill from August 21. They are free to submit their proposals till September 21. The opinions of all persons and organisations will be considered before presenting it to Parliament, the spokesman said.

He said Minister De Silva has appointed a special committee to formulate a report on the protests expressed so far. The report will be submitted to the Cabinet. The committee is chaired by former Director General of Health Services, A.M.L. Beligaswatta.

Director General, Health Services, Dr. Ajith Mendis, Deputy Director General, Health Services, Dr. Vimal Jayantha (Secretary of the Committee), a representative from the Attorney General, a specialist doctor attached to the Colombo General Hospital Dr. Mala Thudawa and several others comprise this committee.

The special unit conducting investigations in connection with the National Blood Bank handed over its interim report to Dr. Kahandaliyanage.

Author: Nadira GUNATILLEKE