By Rathindra Kuruwita

A vital Medical Research Institute (MRI) laboratory had been made virtually defunct for over three weeks due to the actions of a specialist doctor attached to the lab, College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President, Ravi Kumudesh alleged yesterday.

Kumudesh claimed that it was the only lab dedicated to investigate fungal infections in the country and about 1,000 samples had been removed due to the actions of the specialist.

“She doesn’t allow lab technicians to do their duty. It is extremely difficult to get some of these samples. Doctors treating serious fungal infections depend on this lab to determine the success of their treatments. If a cycle of treatment is missed, years of treatment will be in vain,” Kumudesh said, adding that the lab had been plagued by issues in recent years. Earlier seven lab technicians were attached to the lab and several of them had been transferred without any valid reason.

“Replacing these technicians was a problem because this is a highly specialised field. The few people left there are trying their best to manage the workload. However the actions of this doctor and the inability of the Health Ministry to intervene has led to a crisis at the lab,” he said.

Kumudesh said that they had repeatedly asked the Health Ministry Secretary and the Deputy Director General – Laboratories to intervene and resolve the issues at the lab. The head of MRI too was unable to control the situation, Kumudesh claimed.

“Even when we were on strike, the technicians at this lab were working. The work they do is important and helps a large number of people. The Health Minister must ensure the smooth functioning of this lab or thousands of people might be serious trouble,” he said.

DDGHS Dr. Hemantha Herath acknowledged that there were complaints over some issues at the lab.