A series of special raids and inspections targeting private hospitals and medical laboratories across the island is underway to ensure the health and safety of consumers, according to Consumer Affairs Authority Director Asela Bandara.

A total of 52 raids were conducted during this special operation, covering all districts.

The director further stated that investigators uncovered major non-compliance issues regarding medical laboratory materials used for patient testing and treatment in many of the inspected institutions.

The investigations targeted leading private hospitals and medical laboratories on the island.

Investigating officers discovered that certain laboratory materials and equipment used for medical tests were unfit for use due to expiration, raised quality concerns, and found expired items stored alongside active materials.

The probe revealed that a significant volume of equipment and laboratory materials, including blood sugar test kits, various laboratory chemicals, dengue diagnostic kits, gel used for cardiac patients, and different laboratory reagents and staining solutions, were in an unusable state. The director noted that officers seized these materials and are carrying out further investigations.

The authority plans to initiate legal proceedings against the relevant institutions under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act regarding the detected offences.

The director emphasised that no leniency will be shown toward activities that could jeopardise the lives and health of consumers, and similar special raids and investigations will continue across the island to suppress such practices.