Doctors at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital have launched a strike in protest against the sexual assault of a female doctor, demanding the immediate arrest of the suspect. As part of the strike action, hospital staff have withdrawn from their duties, suspending outpatient department (OPD) services since this morning (March 11).
Shocking Incident in Hospital Quarters
The tragic incident occurred on March 10, between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, when a 32-year-old female doctor was assaulted at the government-provided hospital quarters. Reports indicate that an unidentified attacker threatened her with a knife before committing the crime.
Authorities Respond as Suspect Identified
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the suspect has already been identified. According to the minister, the perpetrator is a deserter from the military, and five police teams have been deployed to track him down.
The Anuradhapura Police have launched an investigation, with a spokesperson confirming that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect as soon as possible.
Doctors’ Union Demands Urgent Action
Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), announced that doctors have withdrawn from all services except emergency care as of this morning (March 11).
“Our executive committee is meeting today to decide on further action,” Dr. Wijesinghe stated when asked about a possible nationwide doctors’ strike.
Highlighting the lack of security in hospitals, Dr. Wijesinghe expressed serious concerns:
“This horrifying incident happened inside the hospital quarters, where an on-duty doctor was attacked in her own room. If such a crime can occur in a major hospital like Anuradhapura, it raises grave concerns about safety in medical institutions.”
He further emphasized that doctors in northern hospitals have previously faced various external pressures, underlining the long-standing security concerns in healthcare institutions.
“We have been warning about hospital security for a long time. This is the first time in recent memory that such a serious crime has been reported, but threats to doctors are not new.”
Nationwide Strike Under Consideration
The GMOA has scheduled a special meeting to discuss further action, including the possibility of a countrywide strike if authorities fail to act swiftly.
As tensions rise, medical professionals and citizens alike await urgent government intervention to ensure justice and improved security measures in hospitals.