Eye Hospital staff call off work to rule campaign

COLOMBO: The Eye Hospital staff who had been on work to rule against the Hospital Director agreed to call off their campaign following a meeting with Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. P.G. Maheepala yesterday.

Dr. Maheepala, currently overseeing the Eye Hospital met the staff in a bid to settle the worker dispute which had disrupted the hospital services for the past two weeks.

Noting the long standing grievances of the staff, Dr. Maheepala offered to resolve the salary and overtime issues which led to the trade union action.

The workers said they have not yet received the State sector pay hike with effect from January 2006.

The workers have complained that the hospital director's stiff attitude has augmented the already existing problems within the system. They have also protested against her unilateral decision to file charge sheets to their personal files.

Concluding the meeting the Deputy Director General said he would not hesitate for disciplinary action if the Director continues her rigid control over the institute while advising her to handle worker issues in a humane manner.

The Health Ministry said services of the Eye Hospital had been restored following yesterday's meeting.

Hospital sources said over 700 outdoor patients had received treatment by 10.00 a.m. yesterday.