Doctors on strike at Kinniya base hospital

15 August 2011 03:34 pm

Services at the Kinniya base hospital came to a near standstill today as the hospital staff launched a strike against alleged misconduct by the security forces personnel within the hospital premises. The Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa speaking to Daily Mirror stated that “ It isn’t a strike per se, but the Doctors are refraining from carrying out normal duties. They have decided to attend to only emergency situations due to the prevailing hostile environment” he said.

Sources charged that armed forces personnel had assaulted hospital security guards and later fired into the air. They told the Daily Mirror that despite the strike action the Intensive care unit and emergency treatment unit continued without any hindrance. They claimed the forces personnel had opened fire in the presence Eastern provincial council members and the Kinniya urban council Chairman.

A tense situation prevailed in the area yesterday due to fears of a Grease devil said to be roaming in the town. Some 24 youth who were arrested yesterday on charges on vandalism were released on police bail today after Government Ministers intervened on their behalf. (By Rifthi Ali)