Health workers protest over the crisis

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Doctors held a protest in front of the Colombo National Hospital, saying the Government does not have the courage & responsibility to solve the health crisis.

The General Secretary of the All Ceylon Medical Officers Association, Dr Jayantha Bandara said that due to the dollar crisis there is a shortage of over 200 types of medicines and over 5,000 types of surgical equipment.

Further, he said this situation had led to difficulty in conducting laboratory tests, while several issues have arisen in operating theatres as well.

He said many patients' lives are at risk because the Government is not taking any action to solve these problems.

The Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said that at present there is a risk of losing international aid.

He is saying that the World Health Organization is reluctant to help with their assistance, adding is they refuse aid, Sri Lanka will face a serious crisis.