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Public hospitals crippled for sixth day, unions defy presidential and court orders
View(s):Public hospitals remained crippled for the sixth continuous day yesterday, with health sector trade unions defying a court order and a Presidential directive declaring the health sector as an essential service.
On Friday night the President’s Office said an extraordinary Gazette notification was issued declaring that all health services, work or labour required in connection with the treatment of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries and other similar institutions were being declared as essential services.
On Thursday, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order on the Government Nursing Officers’ Association and its President Saman Ratnapriya, restraining them from any trade union action. The Sunday Times learns that some of the trade unions took up the position that the court order had been specifically issued on one of the unions and its President.
Federation of Health Professionals Convener Ravi Kumudesh said that he was unaware whether the court order had been received by Mr. Ratnapriya.
Mr Ratnapriya was not available for comment.
Meanwhile, Attorney General’s Department sources said they would report back to court on Monday to file contempt of court charges against the union.
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