Substandard IVIG case: Keheliya and 7 others further remanded, one released on bail

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and seven others were yesterday further remanded till 14 June by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court in connection with the substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) procurement. 

The Court also ordered the release of the fourth suspect of the case under a monetary bail of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bails of each worth Rs. 500,000.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry Medical Supplies Division former Deputy Director Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana has been released on bail.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) commenced an investigation into allegations that a pharmaceutical company had imported 22,500 vials of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines by creating forged documents with the assistance of the two senior State officials. 

Investigations revealed that financial fraud of Rs. 130 million had occurred via the imports of the said substandard medicine.

Based on the investigations, several key individuals, including former Health Minister Rambukwella, former Health Secretary and the Director of the Medical Supplies Division, are presently held in remand custody in relation to the immunoglobulin scandal.