Health Authorities launch inquiry into mystery illness

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Health authorities will hold an inquiry into the incident where two children who were administered injections by a doctor at a private medical centre in Puttalam were struck by a mystery disease marked by the wasting away of shoulder muscles.

Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry's Additional Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayathilake told the Daily News that steps will be taken to hold an inquiry into this alleged incident. "We will hold an inquiry into this and stern action will be taken against the responsible medico following the inquiry," he added.

Meanwhile, the two children who were receiving treatment at the Chilaw Base Hospital for the mystery illness have been discharged, sources said. Sources said the two children were discharged from the Chilaw Hospital.

However, Consultant doctors claim that the wasting of shoulder muscle condition will remain with those children and as such they should be subject to regular medical check-ups.

The Daily News yesterday reported this callous act by a qualified medical practitioner which has afflicted children in the Puttalam area with a mystery disease characterised by the wasting away of their shoulder muscles.

The victims had originally sought treatment for asthma and wheezing, sources said. A qualified medical officer in the Anamaduwa electorate in Puttalam had administered an injection claimed to be a long acting steroid, to children suffering from asthma and wheeze, sources said.

Information has confirmed that this injection is given for ailments such as arthritis. A Consultant Medical Officer assured that this was a drug administered mainly to adults. Sources said this doctor who is MBBS qualified has been administering this injection at his medical centre where he does private practise. He is also serving at a Government Hospital.

Sources said this doctor had given this "Intra Muscular" injection every two weeks to some children, claiming that it would stop asthma and wheeze.

Doctors at the Chilaw Hospital believe that there may be more children suffering from this mystery disease due to this injection and requested parents to bring such children to the hospital for treatment.