GMOA takes tough stand over attack on T’kovil hospital:

‘Arrest attackers or face closure of institution’

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has alleged that law enforcement authorities continued to ignore their repeated pleas to ensure safety and security of the medical staff of the Tirukkovil government hospital due to intervention of local politicians.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said that the police had failed to restore public confidence by apprehending those who caused damage to the hospital and threatened to harm the staff, following the sudden death of a 17-year-old student of a school in the area taking part in a marathon on March 11.

Dr. Aluthge said the hospital in-services had been suspended and there was no likelihood of doctors returning to the hospital unless the government took stern action against those responsible. The top official pointed out that as they provided video footage of those involved in the attack and intimidation, the police couldn’t justify their failure to apprehend the attackers.

The GMOA declared that doctors wouldn’t return to Tirukkovil hospital until the attackers were apprehended.

Dr. Aluthge warned that the failure on the part of the government to restore normalcy in the area may compel the GMOA not to re-open the hospital. Acknowledging severe difficulties experienced by the people of the area, Dr. Aluthge said that the government should accept responsibility for this unfortunate situation.

(SF)