A sudden power disconnection at the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office in Vavuniya has sparked concerns over the safety of essential vaccines stored at the facility. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) cut power to the office on Wednesday morning, allegedly due to unpaid electricity bills, potentially compromising critical immunization supplies for the region's mothers and children.
The situation was exacerbated by the facility's inability to operate its backup generator due to unsuitable conditions, leaving temperature-sensitive vaccines without proper refrigeration. The vital medical supplies include vaccines for maternal and child immunization programs.
The incident has also raised questions about administrative oversight, as reports indicate the electricity bills had remained unpaid for an extended period. Local health administrators have called for an investigation into the financial management practices that led to this situation.
The Vavuniya MOH Office serves as a crucial healthcare hub for the Northern Province, providing essential vaccination services to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. The power outage not only threatens the vaccine supply but also disrupts routine healthcare services in the region.