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Sri Lanka, December 17 — Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni stated that an inquiry is being conducted regarding the anesthetic medication Ondansetron, after the deaths of two patients and adverse effects in several others who were administered it.

Ondansetron is used to avoid side effects that occur during anesthesia. Dr. Wijemuni mentioned that millions of doses of the medication have been brought in and administered to patients since last April, with no negative reactions reported until November.

At a press conference held at the Kandy District Secretariat on the 16th, the Deputy Minister outlined the standard protocol for importing medications. “There is a defined procedure for bringing drugs into the country, and this particular drug was introduced through that very process,” explained Dr. Wijemuni. “Once imported, drug samples undergo quality checks and are re-examined within our nation. Should patients report adverse reactions after receiving a medication at a hospital, there is a mechanism in place to notify the Health Ministry.”

He mentioned that a committee within the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) looks into these reports and carries out additional investigations when needed. “Millions of doses of this medication were brought in. It has been given to many patients since last April, and no adverse reactions were reported until November,” he stated.

As per the Deputy Minister, notifications regarding adverse effects in approximately five patients were received from Jayewardenepura Hospital in November last year. The NMRA committee looked into these cases and categorized them as mild side effects. The committee suggested maintaining awareness and carrying out additional tests but stated that it was acceptable to continue giving the medication.

Dr. Wijemuni mentioned that generally, one individual in approximately 30,000 could encounter adverse reactions to a specific medication.

However, on November 12, a death was reported that sparked questions about the impact of this medication,” he said. “By that time, a physician at the Kandy National Hospital had carried out an examination of the drug and published findings.

Following this death and the doctor’s findings, the NMRA ordered all hospitals to cease giving the particular batch of medication that had raised issues. Additional inquiries are currently underway.

A second unusual death was announced on November 14. “As there is proof that the deceased also took this medication, we are looking into both cases,” Dr. Wijemuni stated. “We need to find out if they passed away because of their illness or the drug.”

He mentioned that the inquiry seeks to determine whether the medication samples included dangerous materials or if there was a mistake during production.

The faulty drug shipment from the importing company has been removed from circulation in both public and private hospitals. Dr. Wijemuni mentioned that directives have been given to obtain essential supplies from alternative companies that import the same medication.