Sri Lanka, June 19 -- The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of 'inferior' cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

The directive comes as health authorities move swiftly to prevent potential risks to patients undergoing angioplasty procedures, after regulatory reviews found serious concerns regarding the performance and safety of the devices in clinical use. Hospitals have been told to urgently identify affected stocks, remove them from circulation, and ensure they are not used under any circumstances.

The decision involves coronary stents that are ...