The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I will answer the question raised under Standing Order 27(2) by Hon. Archchuna. However, I draw your attention to this: one Question under SO 27(2) has been framed to cover three hospitals — Akkaraipattu Base, Tellippalai Base, and Jaffna Teaching. Under SO 27(2), Questions are not ordinarily set with such breadth. I will answer today, but if this becomes a precedent, time management will be difficult.

¶ 02 A. 1. The current Medical Superintendent (MS) at Akkaraipattu Base Hospital is Dr. I.M. Jawahir. 2. He was appointed on 2024.06.03 with the approval of the Public Service Commission. 3. Regarding complaints against this MS: Yes. Formal disciplinary inquiries have been held; cautions have been issued and some files concluded. Three preliminary inquiries were conducted; two preliminary inquiry reports have been submitted to the Secretary of Health for approval; one preliminary inquiry is ongoing. 4. Regarding those inquiries and the strike: The current work stoppage has arisen from allegations made from time to time against this MS by certain parties.

¶ 03 - In 2021, concerning failure to issue release orders for Dr. M.M. Thasim, an inquiry was held; on 2022.07.12 a caution was issued and the file closed. - A 2023.11.17 explanation was sought regarding treating 2018.09.15 (a non-working day) as a no-pay day for Dr. S.L. Samon; investigated and a caution issued on 2024.01.21; file closed. - Failure to submit prior duty day books Nos. 01 and 02 after receiving a new duty book; explanation called on 2022.09.02; caution issued on 2023.01.04; file closed.

¶ 04 Further new preliminary inquiries are in process: I. Alleged financial mismanagement/irregularities in hospital projects — preliminary inquiry completed and submitted to the Secretary of Health for approval. II. Alleged delay in treatment to the father of Dr. M.A. Subhail Ahmed, allegedly due to MS’s instructions — preliminary inquiry completed and submitted to the Secretary. III. Allegedly unlawful media briefing by staff on 2025.05.21 within hospital premises making unfounded allegations against Dr. M.A. Subhail Ahmed — preliminary inquiry ongoing.

¶ 05 5. GMOA demand at Akkaraipattu: removal of Dr. I.M. Jawahir from the post of MS. 6. On justification: We are conducting inquiries. The appointment was made with PSC approval. If inquiries prove culpability, the Ministry can decide. Until then, during pendency of inquiries, the Ministry cannot pre-judge or take punitive action, as it invites litigation against officials. Therefore, the strike to remove the MS, causing hardship to the Eastern public, is unjust.

¶ 06 B. Tellippalai Base Hospital MS: - A disciplinary process is underway. Complaints have been received. - The Governor has appointed a fact-finding committee; based on its recommendations, matters will be placed before the Secretary to the Ministry of Health for further action. - The Ministry’s Rapid Response Unit has also commenced a preliminary inquiry.