The Jaffna Magistrate's Court has imposed fines totalling Rs. 400,000 against two medical institutions following Consumer Affairs Authority raids that uncovered expired medical supplies and billing violations.
Following investigations by the Consumer Affairs Authority's Jaffna District office, the Jaffna Magistrate's Court has issued significant penalties against two healthcare providers for regulatory breaches discovered during July raids.
Northern Central Hospitals in Thirunelvely faced the most serious charges after an inspection on July 29 revealed multiple instances of expired medical materials in use. Investigators discovered expired eye-surgery medicines, expired Ether Liquid, expired Hydrogen Peroxide, and expired surgical equipment within the facility. The institution admitted to three violations and received a fine of Rs. 100,000 for each charge, totalling Rs. 300,000.
Separately, New Sun Rise Medi Clinic on Navalar Road was found to have overcharged patients for diagnostic services. The clinic billed Rs. 550 for a Full Blood Count test, exceeding the authority-prescribed maximum fee of Rs. 400. The clinic pleaded guilty to breaching Direction No. 67 and was fined Rs. 100,000.
The court issued a special directive requiring both institutions' judgments to be published in newspapers to inform the public of the violations and enforcement actions. The Consumer Affairs Authority has urged residents to report healthcare facilities that either maintain expired medical supplies or charge fees above regulatory limits, with complaints accepted through the 1977 hotline.
