People should focus on facts: Prof. Senanayake

Professor Hemantha Senanayake, Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and Former Chairperson of Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists speaking to the Daily Mirror said the “sterilization story” if not investigated properly and without delay could make a huge negative impact on Sri Lanka’s achievements in maternal care and health which has been globally admired.

“99% of births happen in hospitals in Sri Lanka.at this rate, people will be afraid to deliver their babies in hospitals. People should focus on facts that are verified. they should not act on just emotions and rumours,” he said.

He said there are two ways to check whether Fallopian tubes are damaged. One is taking an x-ray and the second method is laparoscopy, a surgical procedure in which a fibre-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen area.

Airing his views about the investigation, Professor said a group of experts including Obstetricians and Gynecologists should lead this investigation, and not a set of administrative officers. He also added that an internal inquiry into the allegations isn’t adequate and the inquiry should be on national level as it has already become a nationally important topic. ‘we have enough human resources to do such an investigation,” he said.

He also cited about a circular on methods that should be followed by medical officers while performing c-section deliveries. Despite allegations still being levelled, usually, in the presence of other medical officers, it isn’t an easy task to carry out thousands of “wrong C-section deliveries”. He added that the Fallopian tubes are not usually seen at cesarean section, unless it is manipulated into the wound by inserting the hand into the abdomen.

According to Prof. Senanayake, cesarean operations in the country are increasing. Currently, 39% of deliveries are cesarean.