Sri Lanka: patients found chained at nursing home where thirteen died in fire
Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that some of the thirteen people who died in a nursing-home fire were chained to their beds. According to ABC News Australia, the investigation now focuses on detention-like conditions and the failure of oversight. The Health Ministry announced increased inspections of private care homes across the country.
ABC News AustraliaABC News Australia reports that at least thirteen people died in a fire at a private nursing home in southern Sri Lanka. The forensic examination found that some of those who died were chained to their beds. Officials say the home failed to meet minimum safety and health standards, while relatives of survivors are demanding accountability.
The prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the owner and two members of staff on charges of causing death through criminal negligence. After public pressure, the Ministry of Health said it will tighten inspections of private nursing homes nationwide and review psychiatric-care protocols. Independent human-rights organisations have called for an additional independent inquiry.
The incident is reigniting a wider debate across the region about oversight standards for private care and psychiatric facilities. ABC notes that comparative analysis is appearing on practices in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. International donor organisations may attach stricter compliance conditions to their care-sector funding programmes.
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