Health Ministry to amend legislation to curb malpractices

The Health Ministry plans to amend the Private Health Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC) Act of 2008 in order to address the widespread medical negligence and mishaps at private medical institutions, Ministry sources said.

The Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has reportedly issued the directives to introduce the amendments.

He has appointed a 12 member committee headed by Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Karunasena Hettiarachchi to study the matter and recommend necessary amendments to the Act.

The local media has reported that under the proposed amendments, the PHSRC would have to submit a special medical report to court if and when the family of the victim decides to take legal action in the event of medical negligence at a private hospital.

The PHSRC will also be empowered to visit any private medical institution at any time of day and conduct an investigation on any issue or complaint.