COLOMBO: Leader – National Unity Alliance and former Governor Western Province, M. Azath S. Salley called for an independent inquiry into the death of the three-year old boy who died at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) following a renal surgery recently.
In a letter addressed to the Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Salley said :
“ I am writing to bring to your attention a deeply disturbing and tragic incident that demands immediate action and justice. On 24th December 2022, a devastating event occurred at LRH, Borelle, involving Baby Mohammed Hamdhi, a three-year-old child who tragically lost both his kidneys during a surgery to remove his left-sided failed kidney.
It has come to light that Baby Mohammed Hamdhi had one functioning kidney in its normal position in the upper abdomen, while the left kidney had already failed. However, during the surgical procedure, not only was the failed left kidney removed, but his healthy right kidney was also inexplicably lost. The preoperative scan reports, which unequivocally stated the normal positions of both kidneys, conflict with the Hospital Director’s attempt to conceal the truth by providing a fabricated story of a horseshoe-shaped connection between the kidneys.
This deceitful attempt to hide the truth raises serious concerns about the Hospital Director’s qualifications and intentions. It is inconceivable that a doctor with a basic understanding of kidney anatomy would provide such a preposterous explanation for the incident. Consequently, it strongly indicates that Baby Mohammed Hamdhi was subjected to a sinister and intentional act of losing his normal right kidney.
In light of these deeply troubling events, it is imperative that a thorough investigation be initiated immediately. The investigation should aim to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Baby Mohammed Hamdhi’s kidneys, as well as the potential involvement of any kidney or organ trafficking activities within LRH.
I humbly urge Your Excellency to take the following actions:
1. Initiate an immediate and independent investigation into the incident, led by a team of reputable medical professionals, forensic experts, and law enforcement personnel.
2. Ensure that all team members involved in Baby Mohammed Hamdhi’s surgery, including doctors, nursing officers, and minor staff, are thoroughly investigated.
3. Bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice swiftly, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
4. Provide necessary protection to whistleblowers and witnesses who may come forward with valuable information related to the case.
5. Enhance security measures and oversight within the healthcare system to prevent any potential recurrence of such tragic incidents.
Furthermore, I earnestly request that the authorities take this opportunity to review and reinforce regulations surrounding organ transplantation and trafficking to safeguard the well-being and dignity of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, like innocent children.
Your Excellency, the entire nation mourns the loss of Baby Mohammed Hamdhi and demands justice for his untimely demise. It is incumbent upon your esteemed office to ensure that the truth is revealed, and the culprits are held accountable for their actions. I have full faith in your commitment to upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and fostering a society that values the sanctity of life.
Thank you for your attention to this matter of utmost urgency and importance. I trust that under your strong leadership, Sri Lanka will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and prevent any future tragedies of this nature.”
