GMOA THREATENS TU ACTION

Will resort to trade un- ion action next week if the police fails to carry out a full investigation

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said yesterday it would resort to trade union action next week if the police failed to carry out a full in- vestigation into the recent assault on an Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital doctor.

Doctor Chamila Herath was allegedly assaulted by supporters of a leading United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidate last week while he was driving back to the Hospital.

The goons who appeared to be under the influence of liquor were reported to have attacked the doctor with cricket bats. The windows and tyres of his car were also badly damaged.

Dr. Herath was rushed to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital ICU where he was still undergoing treatment.

“We will closely observe and review the progress on the investigations this week. We have put off any kind of trade union action for the moment. We will resort to trade union action on Monday if no proper inquiry is being carried out or if those responsible are not arrested,” GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said.

The GMOA held

We will closely observe and review the progress on the investigations this week

discussions with the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital’s administrative staff, the Anuradhapura police SSP and other officials to discuss the progress on the investigations.

Dr. Ariyaratne said the GMOA had requested that police protection be provided to the hospital and the doctors’ quarters.

He said there had been no progress on the investigation into last month’s grenade attack on Sri Lanka Medical Council Member Dr. Lalantha Ranasinghe.

“Recently several doctors including senior medical professionals had been attacked. However there has been no progress on these investigations either. If this happens again we will be forced to take trade union action,” he said.

Meanwhile a police officer said three suspects had been arrested.

The hospital administration had decided to provide transport to doctors on call to ensure their safety.