A 28-year-old mother from Kappalthurai, area in Trincomalee has allegedly lost her newborn child due to serious medical negligence at the Trincomalee General Hospital during a government doctors’ strike.
S. Thilakshika, who had been residing with her husband in Bulathsinhala, had returned to her mother’s home in Trincomalee for the delivery of her first child. Prior to the delivery, she had reportedly attended private channel consultations with Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. O.V.G.L. Weeraseena and had not been informed of any pregnancy complications.
According to information revealed during an investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health, Thilakshika was admitted to Trincomalee General Hospital on April 9 for childbirth. During labour, hospital staff had identified her condition as critical and reportedly attempted on six occasions to contact Dr. Weeraseena and Senior House Officer Dr. S.A.N.D. Siyambalapitiya. However, both doctors had allegedly failed to report to the hospital, citing the island-wide strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
Although Thilakshika eventually delivered her baby, the newborn later died. Medical investigations reportedly revealed that the infant’s death was caused by aspiration of meconium.
The Ministry of Health investigation has further revealed that while the consultant doctor had claimed to be participating in the strike on that day, he had allegedly performed a Caesarean surgery at a private hospital during the same period.
Following the incident, it has also been alleged that the doctor arranged for the mother to receive free treatment at two private hospitals before she was later readmitted to Trincomalee General Hospital, where she reportedly underwent an abdominal wash procedure.
Investigators have further uncovered allegations that attempts were made to alter hospital records in order to falsely indicate that the consultant doctor had remained at Trincomalee General Hospital on April 9. It has also been alleged that CCTV footage and data from the private hospital were manipulated to conceal his presence there during the time in question.
Based on the findings of the inquiry, the Ministry of Health has reportedly taken steps to suspend the services of the two doctors involved pending further investigations.
Dr. Weeraseena also serves as the President of the Trincomalee branch of the Government Medical Officers’ Association.
Speaking after the tragic incident, Thilakshika appealed to authorities to ensure that no other mother would have to endure the pain and suffering she experienced after losing her first child.
The case has raised serious concerns regarding accountability, patient safety, and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals during industrial action in Sri Lanka.