All staff at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital have launched a strike, withdrawing from all services except emergency care.

The strike was launched demading for steps to be taken to ensure the safety of all staff members, particularly female doctors and nurses.

Last night a female doctor was sexually assaulted at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. 

Those on strike also demanded the immediate arrest of the suspect involved in the incident. 

"An unsafe environment like this threatens the very foundation of our healthcare system," Dr. Ajantha Rajakaruna the Anuradhapura District Coordinator of the GMOA told media. 

"It's crucial that this issue is resolved right away," he added. 

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) warned that if the perpetrator is not arrested by tomorrow (12) morning, the strike action will escalate.

"The Executive Committee has decided that if the police fail to arrest the suspect by 8:00 am tomorrow (12), the strike, which is currently limited to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, will be extended to the entire North Central Province, beginning at 8:00 am tomorrow (12)." Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe the Spokesperson of the GMOA told media.