Sri Lankan Social Media Users Express Outrage Over Continued Doctor’s Strike Despite Arrest of Suspect

 

Sri Lankan social media platforms have been flooded with anger and frustration as citizens voice their discontent over the continued strike action by doctors, even after the suspect involved in the sexual assault of a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital was arrested.

Suspect Arrested in Galnewa

Earlier today, police apprehended the suspect, a 34-year-old Army deserter, in a jungle in Galnewa. Authorities managed to track him down after he stole the doctor’s mobile phone, which was used to trace his location. Investigations revealed that the suspect had committed the crime on the same day he was released on bail over a previous case involving the robbery of gold jewelry. Currently, he is being interrogated by the Galnewa Police.

Doctors Continue Strike Despite Arrest

Despite the swift action by law enforcement, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has decided to extend their strike until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. The union insists that their demonstration is not just about the single incident but also about the broader issue of ensuring the safety and security of hospital staff nationwide.

Public Outrage on Social Media

Many Sri Lankans have taken to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to express their frustration. The common sentiment among users is that while the assault was deplorable, continuing the strike even after the suspect’s arrest is unfair to thousands of patients who depend on public healthcare services.

One Twitter user wrote, “The doctors have every right to protest against this heinous crime, but punishing innocent patients by continuing the strike even after the suspect is arrested is unethical.”

Another Facebook post read, “People are dying without treatment, and the suspect is already in police custody. Why continue to make the public suffer?”

Patients Left Stranded

As the strike paralyzed state-run hospitals, thousands of patients seeking medical care were turned away. Emergency services remained operational, but outpatient departments, clinics, and elective procedures were largely unavailable. Families of patients expressed distress, with some individuals needing urgent medical attention left with no choice but to seek costly private treatment.

Government and Public Reaction

The government has acknowledged the doctors' concerns and assured them that measures will be taken to enhance security for healthcare workers. However, many officials and members of the public have urged the GMOA to reconsider their stance and call off the strike immediately, arguing that the continuation of the protest is unnecessary and detrimental to public welfare.

With the strike set to last until tomorrow morning, all eyes remain on the GMOA and government officials to see if a resolution can be reached before more patients suffer due to the ongoing dispute.