Health Ministry will not withdraw fingerprint system

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: Some members of Suva Seva Sangamaya have caused damage to hospital property and threatened health sector workers attached to several other trade unions that did not support the failed trade union action taken by Suva Seva Sangamaya.

In one instance, a member of Suva Seva Samgamaya has urinated into the cooked food prepared to distribute among the patients in a main hospital, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

He said they have cut down oxygen cylinder tubes provided to the Intensive Care Units. Apart from this, they have also cut down electric wires and destroyed water pipes of the hospitals.

They have also tried to attack the workers who had engaged in their duties.

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has already ordered authorities to conduct a full investigation on the above violent acts. The Minister has also stated that the public should stand up for their rights and protest against inhuman and disgraceful acts of certain trade unions. Fifty-two trade unions do not take part in this trade union action.

Minister de Silva has firmly stated that newly introduced fingerprint signing in and signing out system will not be withdrawn by the Ministry on any grounds giving into certain groups which protested demanding room to engage in corruption and malpractice.

Minister had ordered the Director General, Health services, Dr. Ajith Mendis to transfer all 600 trainee attendants to their original work stations after considering a request made by Health Service Trade Union Alliance.

Meanwhile the Health Minister has appointed a committee to review the decision to introduce finger printing machines for certain health services at a meeting with the Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA) yesterday.