Bia Katunayake: Medico-Legal Concerns at Port of Entry

Abstract

Introduction Katunayaka Bandaranayka International Airport (BIA) is the main international airport of Sri Lanka which handles nearly 7 million of passengers and 200,000 MT of cargo per year. It is a special operational environment which has peculiar medico-legal issues and operations. Objectives: To systematically analyze the organization structure and operations in medico-legal point of view and identify the gaps in the current system, and suggest future research and policy implications. Methodology: A qualitative study conducted by interviewing of key informants which include all the main sectors of airport operations. In addition, the operations of the airport were observed by the investigators and firsthand information was experienced. Results: The medico-legal issues identified at the Katunayaka Bandaranayka International Airport can be divided into three broad groups of activities. They are handling of deaths, examination of suspects produced by emigration and custom officers and identification and examination of victims of trafficking and abused labour migrants. At present most of these activities are conducted without a proper co-ordination and referral system. Some of the services are not even provided at the movement. Conclusion The policy decision and referral pathway should be initiated to provide an active and truthful medico-legal service at the port of entry.