Nurses in Kurunegala launch strike over assault by doctor

Nurses in Kurunegala have launched a strike since 7 am today after a nurse was assaulted by a doctor within the operation theatre of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital yesterday (Mar 12).

The doctor identified as Ashok Wijemanne, a specialist at the hospital had landed a blow on the head of the nurse with a surgical instrument, Saman Rathnapriya, President, Goverment Nursing Officers Association (GMNOA) told Times Online.

The incident had occured when the nurse had removed a surgical instrument from the bed of the patient who was being treated for a chronic wound, he claimed.

The GMNOA President also claimed that the doctor has been involved in three similar incidents which involve threatening and verbally abusing nurses at the hospital.

However, he added that the Health Ministry has deployed an investigation team to probe into the incident.

"This strike would continue tomorrow as well," Mr. Ratnapriya said adding that the strike would continue until the doctor is removed from his position at the hospital.