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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The crisis-ridden Karapitiya Cardio-thoracic unit has suffered another severe blow with reports that a severe infection has spread into the unit causing the temporary suspension of all operations.

This was revealed yesterday by Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU) which claimed that an infection spread by Methicillin Resistant Sterptycocus Aureus (MRSA) had led to the closure of the unit. However, a senior Consultant at the hospital said the infection was not a critical issue and such viruses are usually found to close operation theatres for a few days in any other hospital.

"The situation has been brought under control and operations can be handled there without any problem," he added. The Cardio-thoracic unit at this hospital is facing a crisis since last week after a new group of nurses were appointed to the unit. PSUNU President Ven. Muruttetuwe Ananda Thera said his union members had fully cooperated to conduct this unit successfully. "But, six out of seven in this new batch have been appointed in an irregular manner and they are acting without any discipline violating the orders of Director General of Health Services," he added.

The Thera said the Director General has already issued a letter to the Karapitiya Hospital Director instructing to cancel those particular appointments. Reports say that while the Director General has decided to appoint a batch containing new nurses for this unit, six nurses appointed earlier had refused to go back.

Meanwhile, the Government Nurses Officers Association said they would protest against the Director General's decision. "These nurses were selected after an interview and the posts were earlier advertised. We will protest against this decision of the DG as it is very unjustifiable," Association President Saman Rathnapriya added.

He said a protest march from Galle to Karapitiya will be held on November 4 with the support of civil and social organisations. Ven. Ananda Thera claimed that this dispute had been created by several persons including medical officers and some union members at the hospital.

"We are concerned about the patients and we will do our best to safeguard and provide due treatment to the patients. We are ready to resume work if these six nurses are removed from this unit and a new batch is appointed." However, he said there were no deaths due to this dispute.

Already, head of the Cardio-thoracic Unit Dr. Namal Gamage had kept away from operations or accepting new patients claiming that the decision to remove the newly appointed nurses is unjustifiable.

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