By Don Asoka Wijewardena
Karapitiya Hospital Director Dr. Shelton Perera is allegedly keeping the key to a room reserved for the Acting Director Dr. Priyantha Jeewaratne.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Palitha Maheepala has instructed Dr. Perera to allow Dr. Jeewaratne to work until the formal inquiry into his appointment is completed.In accordance with the Health Ministry Act, two Deputy Directors have been appointed to the hospital but an acting Director to cover duties could be appointed in addition to the two appointments.
When contacted, Dr. Priyantha Jeewaratne said that in addition to the two permanent Deputy Directors appointed to the Karapitiya hospital, another acting Director could be appointed. As he was working in Matara, the then Health Secretary Dr. Ravindra Ruberu had appointed him to cover duties at the Karapitiya hospital. "Since I assumed duties at Karapitiya, the Director has kept my room key. He has also sent a letter to the Health Ministry that there is no vacancy for me at the hospital. When the higher authorities instruct the Director, he has to carry out the orders," Dr. Jeewaratne stressed.
When contacted, Director of Health Services Dr. Palitha Maheepala said that a comprehensive inquiry into the issue was underway. He had instructed the Karapitiya Hospital Director Dr. Perera to follow the instructions given by Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Nihala Jayathilaka.
Karapitiya Hospital Director Dr. Perera, when contacted, said that as the two deputy director positions had been filled he did not want another acting director.
