Doctors at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital have raised concerns over the recent deaths of several dialysis patients, suspecting a chemical used in the treatment process to be the cause.

The hospital's dialysis unit was temporarily shuttered on February 23 following a string of patient deaths since January, initially attributed to a suspected infection. However, investigations have shifted focus to the possibility of the chemicals administered during dialysis being the culprit.

Both institutional and ministerial-level investigations have been initiated, with committees of experts appointed to delve into the matter. Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Maheepala has announced plans to establish a two-member committee specializing in blood and transfusion procedures to further investigate.

As a precautionary measure, kidney patients requiring dialysis are being redirected to nearby hospitals including Kuliyapitiya, Narammala, Dambadeniya Nikaweratiya, and Nikawewa.
The deaths have been associated with rapid drops in platelet levels during dialysis, according to reports. However, Director of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Dr. Chandana Kendanagamuwa, emphasized that the exact cause is yet to be determined.

Officials from the Health Ministry are scheduled to visit the Teaching Hospital today to contribute to ongoing investigations