FR petition: Ayurvedic doctors challenge raids on medical centres
The Supreme Court fixed for support on August 2 the fundamental rights violation petitions filed by Ayurvedic Doctors challenging the raids of their medical centres to seize certain western drugs.
The aggrieved Petitioner Ayurvedic Doctors also seeking the Court to direct the Director General as well as the Director of Health Services, Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Authority to permit them and other qualified Ayurvedic Doctors who are members of the National Medical Foundation to prescribe, dispense and use the Western drugs / equipments.
The Bench comprised Chief Justice Shirani A. Bandaranayake, Justices K. Sripavan and P. A. Ratnayake
Petitioners are Doctors Washington Nanayakkara, Srinath Senerath, T. H. H. Pieris, G. Jayawardana, B. S. W. Rodrigo, Nimal Jayasinghe, M .I. M. Nazeer, Y. M. Farook, E. M. S. Y. De Saram and D. A .Gunatilake as well as A. L. Thasthaker.
They cited Director General of Health Services Dr
The Supreme Court fixed for support on August 2 the fundamental rights violation petitions filed by Ayurvedic Doctors challenging the raids of their medical centres to seize certain western drugs They are asking the Court to issue an Interim Order restraining the Respondents from entering Ayurvedic Medical Centre and seizing drugs or devices until the final determination of their petition.
Ajith Mendis, the Director of Cosmetic, Devices and Drugs Authority Dr. B.V.S.H.Benaragama, Indigenous Medicine Minister Salinda Dissanayake, Ministry Secretary Bandula Dahanayake, Commissioner of Ayurveda P. H. A. R. Weerakoon, Minister of Health Care & Nutrition Maithripala Sirisena and the Attorney General as Respondents.
Presidents Counsel Faisz Musthapha instructed by Gowry Shangary Thavarasha appeared for the Petitioners. Solicitor General Y.Wijetilake appeared for the Respondents.
Petitioners are Ayurvedic Practitioners registered with the Ayurvedic Medical Council and with a view to advancing, promoting and safeguarding the interests of all Ayurvedic Practitioners, have formed an organization “The National Medical Foundation with a membership of over 600 Ayurvedic Practioners.
They complain that Director of Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Authority had entered several Ayurvedic Medical Centres and had seized certain western drugs. They are seeking a declaration that there are imminent violation of their fundamental right to equality and equal protection of the law and the right to engage in a lawful occupation.
They are asking the Court to issue an Interim Order restraining the Respondents from entering Ayurvedic Medical Centre and seizing drugs or devices until the final determination of their petition.