A lens racket is under the microscope – companies doctors involved to be revealed soon

Jun 20, 2017

A special investigation has been launched by the Health Ministry over an alleged scam operating on the sidelines of the new low cost eye lens scheme which was recently launched by the Ministry. Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne revealed this information issuing a special statement today (June 20).

Accordingly, the Ministry has received many public complaints stating that the companies identified by the ministry are running a racket with the support of several doctors blocking the benefits of this special scheme reaching the much needed patients. Apparently the actual financial benefits are shared by these companies and doctors while the patients do not receive the significant reduction in prices. As a result of this racket, the average price reduction a patient receives is only around Rs.2000. Minister Senarathne pointed out that under the special scheme the prices have to be far less than that giving much benefit to the public.

Under an extraordinary gazette, the Government significantly reduced the prices of eye lenses.

He emphasized in the statement that medical and health services cannot be converted to a business and even in doing a business one has to be reasonable.