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GMOA threatens strike action until all assailants are arrested
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has threatened to strike if authorities fail to arrest those involved in the assault of a doctor attached to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. Dr. Chamila Herath of the Anuradhapura Hospital was assaulted by a group of supporters of the ruling party’s chief ministerial candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake.
“The doctor, who was the on-call medical officer, was rushing to the hospital from his residence for an emergency, when a group of 30-40 supporters were blocking the road with large cutouts and banners. The doctor had stopped his car and asked the group to make room,” GMOA spokesman Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa said.
He said the supporters who were under the influence of liquor, had started attacking the car using clubs. Initially, two persons were involved, but later, the rest of the group had joined in attacking the car and then the doctor.
Dr. Herath who suffered injuries to the head and face, is presently receiving treatment at the surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Anuradhapura Hospital.
He said this issue has been taken up with the Health Minister and Police, and the GMOA will make a special request to the Elections Commissioner.Dr. Epitakaduwa said only three persons had surrendered to police, and that the association would continue with their trade union action if all the culprits are not arrested.
At a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) media briefing yesterday (01), Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that Health Minister Maitripala Sirisena, also from the Anuradhapura district, will convey this to President Rajapaksa, and strict disciplinary action will be taken.
“We cannot take disciplinary action against the candidate while campaigning is taking place, but it can be done once the election is over,” he said.Police also decided to provide protection to doctors at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, including doctors on-call.
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