POLITICO SCARES DOC OUT: NO REPLACEMENT ASYET
People of Karuwalagswewa offer protection to new doctor
People in several villages in the Karuwalagaswewa division have been encountering difficulties in times of illness due to the closure of the Thabbowa Government Hospital for more than six months. The hospital was closed when the only doctor vacated post and left the area allegedly due to the threats and intimidations of a local politician. Since then, the Health Department had not appointed a doctor to the hospital for the last six months and as anoher result, the hospital has remained closed.
Residents of the area said they were prepared to provide protection to the a new doctor if one is appointed. They also pointed out that no medical clinics
The hospital was closed when the only doctor vacated post and left the area allegedly due to the threats and intimidations of a local politician
had been held for the last six months after the doctor left and that 9 hospital employees have been idling and drawing salaries. They said the hospital ambulance and a large stock of medical equipment and drugs had been left unused or open to the elements.
Yesterday, Minister Milroy Fernando, Divisional Director of Health Services Dr. Paul Ranjith Divisional Secretary A.M.C.M.Premasuriya met residents of the area who staged a protest in front of the divisional secretariat demanding the immediate appointment of a doctor to the hospital. They said they would resort to a fast-un-to death campaign if the authorities ignored their hardships. The minister and the director of health promised that a temporary doctor would be appointed until he is replaced by a permanent doctor. Police had stepped up security near the divisional secretariat to prevent any disturbances.