Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis yesterday ordered to remand an employee attached to Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, who was arrested on charges of soliciting a bribe of Rs.22,000 to provide a cancer drug.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) officials informed the Magistrate that the suspect had obtained Rs.21,000 to provide the “Carboplatin” cancer drug, which were received by the Apeksha Hospital as a donation.
The Bribery Commission officials further noted that the suspect had obtained the amount stating that there was a shortage of medicines in the Apeksha Hospital. “A stock of medicines and Rs.425,970 were taken into the custody from the suspect’s house”, officials added.
Counsel appearing on behalf of the suspect stated that his client is a pharmacist and has a pharmacy in his house as well.In reply, the Bribery Commission stated that the suspect does not have a licence to maintain a pharmacy. The suspect was remanded till February 28.