Government Hospital Doctors To Launch An Island Wide Token Strike Tomorrow(25)

Government Hospital Doctors have decided to launch an Island Wide one day token strike tomorrow(25) demanding an immediate solutions for 3 of their service demands including an increasing salaries of all government employees including doctors with  1:12 ratio Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) has announced today(24)according to the association government hospital doctors are to launch an island wide token strike from 8 a.m tomorrow to 8 a.m following day(26).

However Doctors attached to Lady Ridgway Children's Hospital ,Cancer Hospital-Maharagama ,Castle Street Maternity Hospital,De Soyza Maternity Hospital and Sirimawo Bandaranike Memorial Children's Hospital ,Peradeniya are not participating the strike due to humanitarian reasons the GMOA media spokesman Dr.Navin De Soyza has said.during strike period doctors will avoid participating routine treatment and surgeries but will attend emergency services he has stressed.

GMOA is launching this strike by demanding to implement 1:12 ratio salary increase for all government employees including government doctors ,granting official transport facility to those doctors who are performing emergency services in government hospitals and paying doctors all allowances which are promised by health authorities .

Meanwhile during the strike all government hospital doctors will avoid of involving   any private practice inside private hospitals Dr.Soyza has further added.

Meanwhile ministry of health today(24) has requested all government doctors to refrain from  strike action as  Treasury Secretary has agreed to hold discussions with GMOA tomorrow .however GMOA has said that the strike will go ahead despite the scheduled meeting with Treasury Secretary.

Medical Supplies Division Involved in Rs.100 Million Finnancial Scandal

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) has involved in a large scale financial fraud worth Rs.100 million when importing Blood Glucose Strips and Gluco Meters to government hospitals for next three year period (up to April 2015) it has been revealed.according to health services trade union confederation MSD officials have imported these strips numbering 11,880,000 which is more than the required amount for a year which is5,675,850 strips confederation sources added.around Rs.200,415,000 spent unnecessarily to import this stock of blood glucose strips sources further said.

GMOA To Strike During This Week If ?

The government medical officers association (GMOA) has decided today(22) to launch an island wide doctors strike before this Saturday(27) if the government failed to give written assurance on increasing salaries of government doctors .government should have given written assurance within next few days stating that salaries of government doctors   will increase on 1:12 ratio  GMOA spokesman said.

The strike decision was taken during the special executive meeting of GMOA held this evening.

GMOA To Summon A Special Exco Meeting Today(22)

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) to summon a special executive meeting tomorrow(22) to decide the type and date of the proposed trade union action on salary hike of doctors .GMOA urged government to increase salaries of all government employees without increasing salary of one category according to GMOA sources.

Government has earlier decided to increase allowances of university teachers through up coming budget proposals following their 3 month old strike recently.

Haj Holiday Shifted To Saturday(27)

The government has decided to shift Haj Holiday falls on 26th (Friday) to  27th(Saturday) as Muslims here are celebrating haj festival on Saturday the ministry of public administration has announced.earlier the haj holiday which is a public and bank holiday here was scheduled on 26th Friday.although haj or Eid Al Adha is celebrated by Muslims all over the world on 26th the Colombo Grand Mosque was announced last Tuesday (16) that Sri Lankan Muslims will celebrate haj on 27th as  moon had been not sighted.

Meanwhile as Some people are planning to celebrate a long weekend including Poya Holiday which falls on Monday (29) along with haj holiday in Friday by visiting outstation areas  have to cancel their plans as well as hotel bookings after shifting haj holiday to Saturday it has been reported.a large number of people who have booked hotels and resorts to spend coming long weekend with their families had already cancelled their bookings and the hotels are lost a huge of sum of income due to this situation hotel sources said.

Minimum Fine For Maintaining Dengue Mosquito Breading Places Increased

The cabinet has amended the prevention of  mosquito breading act to increase the minimum penalty who are found guilty for breeding mosquitoes in their own backyard to Rs.5000.anyone who will not take proper measures to destroy mosquito breeding places will be punished with this fine.this is the second time this act is amended since  last May .

Under the new amendment the director general of health services and provincial directors of health are empowered to declare any dengue affected area as a high risk area effective for a specific period of time  it has been announced during today's Cabinet briefing.

More Government Hospital Lab Tests Referred To Private Labs

Laboratory tests ranging simple tests like full blood count (FBC) and urine test UFR to complex blood and urine tests as well as ct scan tests performs in government hospitals for free of charge are referred to private hospitals and labs in large scale these days according to secretary of Joint Council Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine Saman Jayasekera.due to this situation patients with economic hardships faced severe difficulties as they have to get these tests done through the private sector  from their own expense he stressed.

Patients have to pay   a large sum of money to private sector to get these  tests done  saman jayasekera has said.even ministry of health has failed to issue the circular as promised during last year which direct hospital authorities to stop performing above lab tests through private sector he has further added.

Government Hospital PSM's Are To Stage Two Hour Walk Out On 24th Of October

The professions supplementary to medicine(PSM) attached to all government hospitals have decided to stage  an island wide two hour walk out from their services on 24 th of October(Wednesday)  demanding solutions for six of their major service demands.after this protest around thousand PSM's are scheduled to hold a protest campaign in front of ministry of health at 12 noon on same day according to secretary of Joint Trade Union Federation Of Professions Supplementary To Medicine Saman Jayasekera.

Addressing a press briefing in Colombo today (16) he said that although health ministry officials have issued press releases stating all the major demands of PSM's have been solved not a single demand has received solution except receiving a court order preventing them of launching island wide strike.the PSM's are compromising with government pharmacists,radiographers,medical laboratory technologists(mlt's) physiotherapists and occupational therapists .

Increasing overtime and communication allowances through this year's budget ,granting delayed promotions of psm's belongs to special grade are among the major demands of psm's.

50KG Cement And Chicken Prices Increased

The prices of 50 KG bag of Cement and Chicken have increased with effect from today(13) according to Consumer Affairs Authority. a 50kg cement bag will be  increased by Rs.68-85 and a killo gramme  of chicken will be increased by Rs.30 .

Retirement Age Of Public Employees Raised To 60

The government has announced that the public employees can work till 60 years of age without requiring to obtain an extension after the age of 57 years. a circular regarding this decision has been issued according to government information department.

Earlier the retirement age of public employees was 57 and they need to get approval of their institution heads to obtain extensions.government had taken decision after considering  requests of public employees on extending the retirement age.

University Lecturers Suspend Their Strike And Report To Work On Monday

The University lecturers who are in strike since 04th of July by  demanding a pay hike and allocating more funds  for education sector have decided to suspend their strike action temporarily tomorrow(12) and report to work from next Monday(15th) according to Federation Of University Teachers Association (FUTA)after the discussions held with economic development minister basil rajapaksha and treasury secretary Dr.p.b jayasundara last Tuesday (09) FUTA this evening has decided to suspend their strike .

It has been reported that the government agreed to increase  salaries or allowances  of university lecturers from the budget proposals due to be presented Parliament in coming weeks.earlier it has been announced that FUTA officials will attend the press briefing held today (11) at higher education ministry on university lecturers salary issue ,but later today FUTA officials have announced that they will not attend that briefing .

Due to the long standing strike of University Lecturers all universities except medical faculties have been closed since 04th of July.the marking of this year's G.C.E Advanced Level  answer scripts too got delayed as university lecturers refrained from attending supervising those activities during the strike period.

Meanwhile government medical officers association (GMOA) has been announced today that they will launch an island wide strike action if the government has increased salaries of university lecturers alone.there should be a salary increment to all government sector employees without giving special increment to one category only the media spokesman of GMOA Dr.navin soyza said today.while addressing a press briefing at GMOA Headquarters in Colombo he had stressed that government doctors too should have given a salary increment similar to that of university lecturers  .

Increase In Depression Amongst Diabetic Patients

Around 11% of Sri Lankan population are suffering from some kind of depression and out of this number 1% are suffering from severe depression according to mental health specialists.out of the total number suffering from depression 15% to 20% are trying to commit suicide during their life time it has been revealed.

Also there's an increase on the people suffering from depression amongst patients ur long term illnesses and around 50% of diabetic patients are prone to depression sources said.15% of pregnant mothers are at risk of having depression after delivering their child.

Meanwhile mental health specialists have said that as there is a treatment available for the disease no need to be afraid for the disease anymore.if not treated properly 30% of world population will be suffering from depression during next few years.

Several Essential Drugs And Surgicals Are Out Of Stock In Government Hospitals

Government Hospitals having experience a severe  shortage of 50 and 20 mili liter syringes and several other essential drugs and surgical items these days according to hospital sources.due to this shortage the intensive care units,theaters ,labor rooms,emergency units and primary care units suffered mostly with disturbance to surgeries and treatment sources added.

The medical supplies division and government pharmacies too are not having stocks of said syringes and other surgical it has been reported. due to this situation patients need to buy these drugs and surgical from private pharmacies by their own expenses.

As emergency surgeries and treatment are in danger due to the shortage of drugs and surgical s  many government specialists have now holding discussions  to decide whether to continue admitting patients to those units or not .

Cough Syrups "Corex" And "Corex-D" Are Banned In Sri Lanka

The national drug authority has today (09) banned the sale and distribution of cough syrups "Corex" and "Corex-D in Sri Lanka with immediate effect after six people died during a short period due to taken overdose of these syrups.although both "Corex " and "Corex-D " syrups are related to prescribed drug category most pharmacies throughout  the island are found as issuing them to patients without a doctor's prescription according to  national drug authority .

It has been also reported that the  students and youth are using the syrups as an intoxicant the authority has stated.

Government Increased The Prices Of Liquor

The excise duty of liquor and ethyl alcohol has been increase with effect from last Saturday(060 according to finance ministry.according to new price revision 1 liter of alcohol will be increased by Rs.63 and a liter of bear by Rs.10.meanwhile Distilleries Company Of Sri Lanka has been decided to increase all varieties of their arracks by Rs.26-40.

Few days back the government has also increased the prices of cigarettes by Rs.2 .

A Youth Committed Suicide After Sri Lankan Cricket Team Lost Yesterdays T20 Finals

A 26 year old youth cricket fan reside in Hatton area has hanged himself to death yesterday soon after Sri Lankan National Cricket Team  lost to West Indies  in T20 world cup  finals played yesterday (07) according to sources.the youth has committed suicide as  unable to bear the grief of national teams defeat in yesterday's final sources added.

This is  the first case of suicide   reported from Sri Lanka related to a cricket match it has been revealed.hatton police has launched investigations on the incident.

National Cricket Captain Mahela Has Resigned From T20 Captiancy

Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Mahela Jaywardena has resigned from captaincy of  T20 cricket team with immediate effect .he has announced this decision soon after Sri Lanka lost the final match of T20 International Cricket Tournament to the West Indies yesterday (07).

Addressing the media after the match Mahela has said that he had taken this decision before starting the tournament and even informed that to selection committee headed by Asantha De Mel."selectors are fine with the decision" he has said.however he will remain as the captain of both limited over (50 over)  and Test Teams for one year and to be taken a decision on stepping  down from these posts as well afterwards Sri Lankan skipper stressed.

Sri Lanka lost the all important final match played yesterday with West Indies in R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in front of more than 35,000 local cricket fans who were expected vitory of the local team by 36 runs.after Sri Lankan bowlers did well to restrict West Indian batsman  to 137 in their 20 overs except main strike bowler lasith malinga Sri Lanka's  batting failed miserably due to poor batting as last 7 wickets have fallen  for 51  runs.

Meanwhile International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Mahela as the captain of ICC's T20 cricket team.

Standard Recognition Given For Private Medical Labs With Unskilled MLT'S

The medical laboratory technologists (MLT) had accused health authorities on giving standard recognition for some of the public medical laboratories in the country which are employing unskilled MLT's in their institutions as well as charging higher prices for lab tests.some of these laboratories have charging six to ten times higher prices than normal prices  from patients it has been revealed.

For taking instance a Rs.100 worth test is perform in these labs for Rs.600 and in some laboratories the price of a lab test worth Rs.100 is around Rs.1000 sources said.

It has been also reported that although health authorities given standard recognition for some laboratories in the country a proper standard mechanism not yet implemented here on private labs .

Sri Lankan National Cricket Team Qualified For The T20 World Cup Tournament Finals

The world number one Sri Lankan T20 National Cricket Team beat Pakistan by 16 runs and ensured their place in finals  during  first semi final  held today under ongoing T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament in Colombo.after winning the  toss Sri Lankans were elected to bat first in the slow ,dried pitch at R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.in their 20 overs Sri Lankans scored 139 runs for the loss of 4 wickets while skipper Mahela Jayawardena top scored with well made 42 runs which also earned him the man of the match award.

When replying Pakistani Cricketers only managed to score 123 runs for the loss of 7 wickets while their skipper Mohommad Hafeez top scored with 42 runs.however other batsmen not able to get required runs during the chase.

Sri Lankans will play against the winner of tomorrows second semi final between Australia and West Indies scheduled to play in Premadasa Stadium .The final of the T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament will be played  on this Sunday (07th)evening at Premadasa Stadium.

Government To Hold Special Discussion With University Lecturers Tomorrow(04)

Higher Education Minister S.B Dissanayake has said today(03) that government will hold a special discussion with striking University lecturers tomorrow(04) to find solutions for their demands.this discussion with Federation Of University Teachers Association (FUTA) is decisive according to the minister dissanayake.

University Lecturers are on strike since 04th f July demanding salary increase .

8421 Tickets Still Available For Two Semi Finals Of T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament

A total number of  8421 tickets  still available for two semi finals of T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament which are scheduled to be played tomorrow(04) and day after Sri Lankan Cricket has announced this evening.both semi finals are playing at R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

According to Sri Lankan Cricket 3314 tickets are available for tomorrow's semi final between hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan and another 5107 tickets are available for the second semi final between West Indies and Australia scheduled for  Friday.these tickets can purchase from Thurstan Grounds in Colombo from 9.a.m tomorrow.

Fake Drugs Arrived With Imported Drugs To Sri Lanka?

Around 30% of annually imported drugs to Sri Lanka are found  as fake  /counterfeit drugs according to senior registrar of Colombo National Hospital Dr.Indunil Wijenayake.as there are no proper laboratory facilities in Sri Lanka to identify these fake drugs they are issued to the patients through hospitals he has stressed.

 A need arise to identify these drugs and destroy them as they are harmful for  patients dr.wijenayake has added.he has made these remarks while delivering  the guest lecture of the 35th commemorative ceremony on founder of national drug policy the late professor senaka bibile held at national library services board ,Colombo last Monday(01).

he further said that most of the low quality drugs imported to Sri Lanka too are Indian Products.72 out of 78 low quality drugs identified this year and 37 out of 56 low quality drugs identified last year (2011) were imported from India he further added.

Permanent Dental Fillings Suspended In Government Hospitals Due To Shortage Of Mercury

Due to the island wide shortage of Mercury Substance    permanent fillings of dental cavities in government hospitals  have  suspended according to hospital sources.mercury is the key ingredient of   "amalgam " paste using for permanent dental fillings.dental doctors performs around 15,000 permanent fillings daily and there are also 3 to 6 months long awaiting lists for these fillings in some  hospitals .

Dental Patients are facing severe  hardships due to the suspending of permanent fillings in government hospitals sources added.the mercury substance is currently not available in medical supplies division as well sources further said.

Sri Lankan Cricket Team Entered Semi Finals Of T20 world cup With An Unbeaten Record

Sri Lankan national cricket team had qualified for  semi finals of  the ICC 9International Cricket Council)T20 World Cricket Cup by  beating  England from 19 runs in today's T20 world cup  cricket match played in pallekele international cricket stadium.Sri Lankans scored 169/6 in their 20 overs after been put in to bat by England.As  a reply England were only managed to score 150/9 in their 20 overs.Sri Lankans are qualified for the semi finals with  an unbeaten record during  the super eight round .

Sri Lankan pace bowler lasith malinga who took 5/31 was adjudged as man of the match

Health Secretary Instructed Authorities To Implement Doctors Transfers

The Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayathilake has instructed all hospital and provincial health authorities to release all Doctors who are in transfer orders with immediate effect .A special circular had issued last week in this regard instructing authorities to release these doctors during the period 01st of October -31st of October .

The doctors who are not released during that time will not been paid salaries as a punishment the circular has stated.according to a survey conducted by ministry of health only 20-30% of annual doctors transfers have been implemented per year..

Heart Diseases Are On Increase In Developing Countries

Whilst  heart diseases are declining in developed countries it's on increase in  developing countries  including Sri Lanka ,India and Thailand according to one of the top Cardiologist in the country Dr.Ruwan Ekanayake.Mental Stress,Smoking,Consuming Liquor,Uncontrolled Diabetes,Hypertension.Cholesterol,Lack of Exercises are among major factors which caused this situation dr.ekanayake has said.

It has been reported that most of the Sri Lankans have consuming a higher amount of sugar,salt and oil more than the recommended levels of them by world health organization(WHO)whilst WHO has recommended 9 teaspoons of sugar daily for males and 6 teaspoons for females most of the locals are getting used to consume double of that amount he stressed."only one teaspoon full of oil required per person daily but our people have consuming more than double of this amount "dr,ekanayake has  revealed.

According to the latest statistics around 30% of the 7 annual deaths reported from the country from non communicable diseases are due to heart diseases.around 50% of people having hypertension are not received any treatment as they are not aware on the disease.

To overcome this situation it is important to lead a healthy life with required level of exercises,controlled diabetes,cholesterol and hypertension and a healthy diet pattern including lots of fruits and vegetables medical specialists said.

The "World Heart Day" falls on tomorrow(30) and to mark the day there is a special walk with the participation of various professionals and politicians begin from Temple Treas in Colombo tomorrow morning.

700 Base,Rural , Pheriphery Hospitals And Central Dispenseries Shut Down Due to A Strike

Around 700 Base,Rural ,Periphery Hospitals and Central Dispensaries throughout the Island are shut down due to the on going strike action of Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers according to hospitals sources.due to this a large number of patients in rural areas are not able to receive medicine and treatment the sources said.

The Registered And Assistant Medical Officers attached to these institutions have launched an island wide continuous strike action today demanding communication allowance for registered medical officers.meanwhile a discussion is due to be held tomorrow(26) at Health Ministry between Registered And Assistant Medical Officers Association and Health Authorities over the demand of medical officers.

PGIM Colombo To Stop Post Graduate Courses?

The Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayathilake has instructed authorities of Post Graduate Institute  Of Medicine (PGIM),Colombo last week to stop conducting fresh post graduate courses for local MBBS Doctors with immediate effect .Due to this action there is a dearth of medical specialists in the country according to medical circles .

The Post Graduate Institute Of Medicine in Colombo is the only such institute in Sri Lanka conducting post graduate courses for MBBS Doctors .

Registered And Assistant Medical Officers To Launch A Continuous Strike Tomorrow(25)

The Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers attached to government medical institutions and hospitals have decided to launch an island wide continuous strike from tomorrow (25) onwards demanding the communication allowance for registered medical officers according to society of government registered and assistant medical officers .

Around 1300 Registered and Assistant Medical Officers attached to 700 medical institutions mainly to the Base,District and Rural Hospitals as well as Central Dispensaries participating this strike the union has stated.

As government MBBS Doctors have been paid communication allowance there's no sign of paying that allowance for registered medical officers a spokesman of the society has added.registered and assistant medical officers are mostly working in hospitals and central dispensaries in rural areas.

Actress Turned National List MP Malini Fonseka Has Withdrawn Her Resignation

The veteran Sri Lankan film actress turned government parliamentarian Mrs. Malini Fonseka has resigned from her parliamentary seat this morning but later withdrawn her resignation  after president mahinda rajapaksha had declined to accept her resignation.

Mrs.Fonseka who is a National List MP of the government sent her resignation letter to president this morning but did not revealed the reasons behind  her decision.

US Embassy To Close Early Today Due To Planned Muslim Protests

The United States Embassy in Colombo has announced that the embassy will  close for public from 9.30 a.m today (24) due to planned demonstrations by Muslims over the anti Islamic film produced by USA.There are planned demonstrations scheduled to be held in Colombo today around 10.30 a.m and therefore embassy appealed from US Citizens to avoid traveling to embassy during demonstrations and  stay away from areas where large crowds gather.

There were several demonstrations held in the city during last week over the anti Islamic film produced by USA and as a result police had closed the main road in front of  embassy as security measure.meanwhile Sri Lankan government has decided not to screen the said anti Islamic film in Sri Lanka.

Medical Administrators Requested An Inquiry On Fraudulent Tender Deal

The Medical Administrators Forum has made a written request  from the Health Ministry secretary Dr.Nihal Jayathiake to conduct an inquiry  on  Rs.8 million worth fraudulent tender deal of purchasing surgical gloves from an unregistered supplier . the forum has urged the health secretary to take a disciplinary action against those involved in this deal no matter what their status are.

As the said stock of gloves were in low quality as well it will be bad reputation for  health secretary and  all other medical  administrators if a higher officials of ministry were any way linking to this deal medical administrators forum has said.

Water Tariffs To Be Increased From 01st Of October

The National Water Supplies And Drainage Board has decided to increase Tariffs on water consumption  by 5% to 20% with effect from   0tst of October.under the new increase of water tariffs 0-05 units of water consumption will be increased by  Rs.12,  06-10 units by  Rs. 16, 11-15 units by Rs. 20,16-20 units by Rs. 40 and 21-25 units by Rs. 58.

President Rajapaksha Has Left India

President Mahinda Rajapaksha has left India this evening for an official tour.he is due to attend the  foundation stone laying ceremony of International Buddhist University due to build in Sanchi in Madya Pradesh.

During the visit President is due to hold bi lateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh , President Pranab Mukarjee and other higher officials of Indian Government.

Meanwhile DMK Leader M.Karunanidhi and MDMK Leader Vaiko were issued statements against president's visit.

Police Arrested Convener Of Inter University Students Federation

The Colombo Crimes Division  Police has arrested the convener of Inter University Students Federation Sanjeeva Bandara today for trying to hold a University Students Protest in front of Fort Railway Station by blocking the main road there.The police had earlier taken a court order from Fort Magistrate Court to prevent holding of any protest  blocking the main road .

Inter University Students Federation has organized a protest campaign in Fort Station this noon.

T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament 2012 Began With a Sri Lankan Win

Twelve Nation T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament 2012 has begun this evening at  Suriyawewa International Cricket Stadium in Hambanthota(Southern Province) with a colorful opening ceremony.after the ceremony hosts Sri Lankans played the curtain raiser match with minnows Zimbabwe and Sri Lankans won the match by 82 runs .Sri Lankans scored 182/4 in their 20 overs while replying Zimbabwe Team has dismissed for 100 runs with 15 balls to spare.

A total number of 27 matches to be  played  under this world cup prior to the finals.The finals of the T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament will be held in 07th  of October at R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium Colombo.

Briabry And Corruption Commission Has Begun Investigations On Rs.8 Million Fraudulent Surgical Gloves Deal

The bribery and corruption commission has begun investigations on Rs.8 million worth fraudulent  deal when purchasing surgical gloves to Sri Lankan government hospitals this year according to chairman of the commission Retired Supreme Court Judge Jagath Balapatabandi.

Investigations on this deal begun according to complaint lodged to the commission in this regard by 24 union Health Services Trade Union Federation (HSTUF). according to the complaint made by HSTUF
it states that the gloves imported through the above deal were low in quality and the supplier was not registered in Sri Lanka.

The Trade Union Federation has also requested from Auditor General  to conduct an inquiry on this matter.

Container Imported From India Contaminated Radiation

A container load of stainless steal and aluminum products imported from India has been identified as exposed to radiation according to Atomic Energy Authority.Due to this distribution of above products had been halted with immediate effect and container is due to send back to India sources have revealed.

Health Officials Are Bribed By Some Drug Companies To Delay National Drug Policy

The implementation  of much awaited National Drug Policy getting delayed due to bribing of some higher health officials by certain drug companies according to Government Medical Administrators Forum.A higher official of Health Ministry was given Rs.5 million as bribe recently by certain drug companies to prevent implementing of the drug policy the forum has stated.

As a Drug Policy helps ordinary patients to purchase high quality drugs for reasonable prices authorities should have implement the policy without delaying it further a spokesman of the  medical administrator s forum  has stressed.

Over 180 Unqualified Indian Doctors Working As Medical Consultants In Sri Lanka-GMOA

There are over 180 unqualified Indian Doctors working as Consultant Doctors  in several Private Hospitals in Colombo City 
 according to Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA).due to this situation the life of patients who are getting treatment from  these doctors are at risk assistant secretary of GMOA Dr.Nalin Ariyaratne has said.

GMOA  now prepares to go  courts against these unqualified Indian doctors behalf of patients he stressed.while addressing a press briefing held at GMOA Headquarters in Colombo this noon Dr.Ariyaratne has said that after GMOA has revealed on these Indian doctors the owners of private hospitals which are employed them now seeking court"s intervention to retained them in those hospitals."Some Hospital owners are even influencing Health Ministry through politicians to allow these doctors to practice" he pointed out.

Meanwhile Ministry Of Health has decided to   implement a mechanism for  check qualification of foreign doctors before recruiting them to private hospitals.

Health Services Trade Union Federation Requested Government To Arrest A Trade Union Leader

The 24 union Health Services Trade Union Federation(HSTUF) has requested government to arrest Health Trade Union Leader Saman Ratnapriya immediately on charges of trying to block GSP+ concession to Sri Lanka and made anti Sri Lankan statements by attending a Tamil Diaspora meeting held in Kerala State of India.

The president of the union federation Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero and joint secretary Harendra Kuruppu have stated that Ratnapriya who is the president of Health Services Trade Union Alliance and newly formed Alliance Against Corruption and Fraud had  attended a Tamil Diaspora Meeting held in Samudra Beach Hotel in Kerala,India on August 2008 and made anti sri lanakn statements by saying Sri Lanka has no democracy and there are human rights violations.This was a violation of 6th amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution and we therefore  requested government to arrest him immediately "Venerable Muruththettuwe Thero stressed.

"Ratnapriya is not only violated sri lankan constitution but also trying to throw mud against honest officials like former director general of health services Dr.Ajith Mendis "he further added.

Sri Lanka Medical Council Removes Surgical Part From Doctors Duty?

Sri Lanka Medical Council has removed the surgical part from duties of MBBS(Bachelor Of  Medicine,Bachelor Of Surgery) Doctors through the Registration Certificate issued for them according to government doctors.Earlier when a MBBS Doctor has received the registration certificate from Sri Lanka Medical Council to practice here  it states that the medical practitioner  has lawfully qualified to practice medicine and surgery .but under the new registration certificate issued to MBBS Doctors it has stated that medical practitioner has  lawfully qualified to practice medicine only.

This decision to remove surgical part from duties of MBBS Doctors will affect the surgeries in hospitals as majority of surgeries performs in both government and private hospitals are handled by medical officers it self hospital sources said.Sri Lanka Medical Council has already amended the section 29  of Sri Lanka Medical Council Act to enable removing of the surgical part from doctors duty.

Due to this situation MBBS Doctors are now only able to perform surgeries under the supervision of medical consultants according to health sources.

Government Doctors Of Sabaragamuwa Province To Strike From 19th Of September

Government Hospital Doctors attached to Sabaragamuwa Province are to be launched a continuous  strike from 19th of this month (Wednesday) by demanding  Health Ministry to intervene and   implementing delayed transfers of 4 provincial health services directors the president of Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) Dr.Anurudda Padeniya has said.the transfers of  provincial health directors attached to north central,Uva ,sabaragamuwa and central  provinces got delayed due to some court cases filed by two
of   the transferred provincial health directors he stressed.

If the health ministry has failed to look in to this matter by 19th of  September the strike will spread to uva,sabaragamuwa and central provinces as well dr,padeniya said.

The provincial health directors of central and sabaragamuwa provinces challenging their transfers in courts although they have overstayed in these positions and due to this legal action the transfers of other provincial health administrators too got stuck he further added.

Voting Began In Three Provincial Council Elections

The voting to elect 108 members for the North Central,Eastern and Sabaragamuwa provincial councils are currently been progressed amidst few incidents.According to elections department sources the voting began 7 a.m this morning and will be concluded in 4 p.m this evening.the voters turnout reported as very low comparing to previously held provincial council elections.

Around 3073 candidates are contesting for the 108 seats in these three  provincial councils.

Patient Care Services In Provincial Hospitals Paralyzed Due To Delay Of Transfers

 The health services provided from provincial hospitals are  paralyzed due to  non implementing annual transfers of 6000 medical officers and 4 provincial health service directors according to government medical officers union (GMOA).If the authorities have not taken steps to intervene this matter and solving it withing next two weeks government doctors have  decided to launch a stern trade action GMOA sources said.

Due to laziness of some of the health officials ,these transfers are not implemented as yet sources added.

Tamil Community In Colombo Protested In Front Of Indian Emabassy

A large number of people mainly Tamil Community work in Colombo fort area today (06) have marched towards the Indian Embassy in Colombo and hold a protest campaign there against attack on Sri Lankan Pilgrims at Tamil Nadu.The protestors also handed over a petition against attack on Sri Lankan Pilgrims to the Indian High Commissioner.

Meanwhile due to this protest most of the shops in fort area were closed and a huge traffic was created in Galle Road in Col petty Area.

Chinese National Arrested For Swallowing Rs.1.8 Million Diamond

A Chinese national who has swallowed Rs.1.8 million worth diamond exhibited in a gem exhibition in Colombo got arrested by police today(05).The suspect who was alleged as swallowed the diamond was now in police custody.

The suspect came to see the gem exhibition held at Banadaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall(BMICH) these days with a fellow Chinese national and he  suddenly swallowed the diamond exhibited there sources added.soon after witnessing his act a businessman there informed this to police officers which lead to his arrest sources added.National Gem and Jewellery Authority has organized this exhibition.

Sri Lankan Group Of Pilgrims Was Attacked In Tamil Nadu-Nine Attackers Got Arrested

Seven buses carrying  pilgrims compromising 180 Sri Lankan nationals  to Trichy Air Port in Tamil Nadu State were  attacked this evening  by an activists belongs to a group called  Naam Tamizhar Iyakkam with pro-LTTE leanings.This is the second time that this group of pilgrims was attacked as the buses they traveled to Velankanni Christian Shrine near nagapattinam were blocked by   the same group yesterday (03).

Due to the harassment faced Sri Lankan pilgrims compromising 75 women and 36 children  were immediately taken to the Trichy Air Port by Sri Lankan embassy in Chennai today to send them back to Sri Lanka.However the said group stoned and attacked the seven buses and due to this Some Sri Lankans have received minor injuries according to reports.several buses got damaged during the incident and police arrested nine of the activists who attacked buses according to  Indian Media Reports.

Meanwhile Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry here has confirmed that no one in pilgrims hurt due to the said attack and they will arrive home safely.Ministry had earlier requested Sri Lankans who are visiting Tamil Nadu to be in alert over their safety as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalitha Jayram as well as some racist groups in the state made some anti Sri Lankan statements during last few days.Jayalalitha has yesterday requested state officials to send two Sri Lankan school soccer teams visiting Tamil Nadu back to Sri Lanka.

  

Supreme Court Recommended Authorities To Enrolled Additional Students To Universities

The supreme court has today (03) recommended education authorities to enrolled 4928 additional students to universities as a solution for A/L Z score issue per proposed by university grants commission(UGC).UGC has proposed four solutions regarding  Z score issue to the supreme court and the court has selected above solution as suitable one.

Meanwhile a fundamental rights case filed by 33 A/Level students against injustice they have faced due to Z score was taken up before three member bench headed by chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

74 Quality Failed Drugs And Surgicals Removed From Government Hospitals This Year

Around 74  drug and surgical items distributed among government hospitals island wide were removed after they were proven low in quality during last 08 months of this year it has been revealed.The removed list of low quality drug and surgical s includes Amoxacillin, lignocane hydrochloride gel.ultrasound transmission gel and anti venom serum  according to national drug authority sources.

Meanwhile president of professor senaka bibile memorial committee Dr.Jayantha Bandara has said that these low quality drugs still use in government hospitals although they have instructed to be removed from hospitals with immediate effect.  replying to this allegation of dr.bandara medical supplies division has said that they have instructed all government hospital directors and provincial health authorities to remove all those low quality drugs through a special circulars and it's their duty to act accordingly.

Most of those drugs and surgical s  have been instructed to remove during month of August.