9.5.2008
Minister
of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala de SilvaMinister
of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala de Silva has
requested an immediate inquiry into the deaths of three
persons including a child at the Ratnapura hospital.
Three
patients died at the Ratnapura Hospital after its nursing
staff, numbering around 500, went on strike Wednesday
afternoon over the transfer of a male nurse to the Kegalle
General Hospital following an incident involving a lady
doctor.
The
report is to be forwarded to the Attorney General on the
direction of the Minister de Silva to take stern action
against the staff members of the hospital if they are
found to be responsible for the deaths. Accordingly a
case will be filed against the culprits under the Penal
Code or any other relevant law.
The
strike action was launched after a nurse employed at the
Ratnapura Hospital was transferred to the Kegalle Hospital
after he was found guilty of misbehaviour in a recent
incident that took place at the Ratnapura hospital.
Ministry
sources said that Health Minister is considering the possibility
of bringing in new laws/amendments prohibiting trade union
actions in the health sector to ensure the safety and
well-being of the patients.
The
Minister also stated that he has taken all possible measures
against the inhuman actions of trade unions but adequate
public support is needed to tackle such situations.
The
time has come for the public to take a stand against unreasonable
trade union action, he said.