Six suspects, including the former Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Janaka Chandragupta, have been further remanded until January 10, 2024, in connection with the controversial procurement of substandard human immunoglobulin vials. The remand extension was mandated by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Chandragupta's arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on December 18 is linked to the investigation surrounding the contentious substandard Human Immunoglobulin import issue. The former Secretary arrived to provide a statement, leading to his apprehension by the CID.

Earlier, on December 14, Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama expressed suspicion over the actions of the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health regarding the procurement process of the 'substandard' human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The Magistrate, highlighting the seriousness of the matter, ordered the arrest of all responsible parties, regardless of their positions, emphasizing the importance of justice in addressing the issue of providing substandard medicine to the public.

The case has seen several high-profile arrests, including the former Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Director of the Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division, and three other officials from the same division. Additionally, the owner of the relevant company responsible for importing the batch of substandard Immunoglobulin vials, allegedly through forged documents, has also been apprehended.