The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has suspended its anti-dengue operations islandwide after a medical officer conducting an inspection tour in Maharagama was verbally abused by a magistrate living in the area.
The officer was on a routine field inspection to identify potential or active mosquito-breeding grounds.
The strike action comes at a time when the number of cases of dengue fever is on the rise and fears of an epidemic are growing.
According to reports, Medical Officer of Health (MoH) Dr. Nelum Perera was allegedly verbally abused by the magistrate when she told him that the immediate surroundings of his residence were potential breeding spots for mosquitoes.
According to the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), the Ministry of Health has taken no action so far in this matter.
The association has urged the health secretary to explain the new regulations of the recently passed Mosquito Breeding Prevention Act and its legal implications to all stake-holders.
These regulations stipulate that health officers must conduct routine inspections of land and properties around the country.
According to sources, Dr. Perera lodged a complaint with the police shortly after the encounter with the magistrate. It is alleged that the magistrate’s brother, a member of the Western Provincial Council, had called at the police station later that day. That evening Dr. Perera received a call from the Maharagama Police, informing her that a complaint had been lodged against her with reference to her earlier complaint about the magistrate, and that a statement from her was required.
Repeated attempts by The Sunday Times to reach the magistrate for a comment were unsuccessful.
The Maharagama Police have confirmed that they have received complaints from both Dr. Perera and the magistrate’s brother, and that the police were following up on both complaints.
The spread of dengue fever is a major concern with the health authorities, especially with the onset of rains. |
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