Magistrate tells specialists to double check Keheliya's medical reports
The Maligakanda Magistrate has ordered that former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella be examined by a seven-member medical panel comprising consultants to determine whether he’s actually suffering from the ailments he claims he is afflicted with.
Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama issued the order to the Director General of Health Services to present the medical panel's report to court before February 29.
The magistrate gave the order after considering evidence presented by Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Lakmini Girihagama, questioning the authenticity of the medical reports presented by the former minister, who is currently in remand custody.
DSG Girihagama said the Attorney General's Department could not accept the medical reports presented by Mr. Rambukwella, noting that they were not original reports but photocopies. Moreover, the reports date from 2011 to 2017, she said.
The DSG also alleged that the doctor who had issued medical reports in support of bail for Mr. Rambukwella had not subjected the suspect to any medical examination over the past five years.
The former minister was remanded on February 3, and the Prison Hospital subsequently submitted a medical report to the court stating Mr. Rambukwella’s health had deteriorated to the extent that he could not be present in court on February 15, when the case was next taken up.
The medical panel established by the magistrate will examine the former minister to determine whether he is indeed suffering from the ailments that the prison hospital claims.
The panel has also been asked to report whether it was possible to produce Mr. Rambukwella in court and, if this was not possible, to state what ailment prevented him from being brought to court.
The Director General of Health Services will head the medical panel assigned to examine the former minister. He will be tasked with appointing specialists related to the medical conditions Mr. Rambukwella is said to be suffering from.
The panel will have to draft its report to answer a list of questions raised by the court.
In the event that its report identifies that Mr. Rambukwella is suffering from some sort of medical condition, the panel has been asked to also inform the court whether he could obtain treatment for that condition from the prison hospital or how else he should obtain treatment.
The panel must also examine the medical reports issued by the prison hospital doctor to determine if he suffers from any of the health issues listed in those reports and report back to the court.