A man who attempted to assault a junior staff member at the Maskeliya Regional Hospital has been arrested and remanded until October 29 by the Hatton District Court.
The suspect, identified as Akulraj, a resident of D Side Estate in Samimale, Maskeliya, had allegedly arrived at the hospital intoxicated around 11:00 p.m. on October 23, claiming he needed medical attention. He then attempted to attack a junior staff member on duty before fleeing the premises.
Following a complaint lodged with the Maskeliya Police, officers apprehended the suspect and produced him before Hatton District Judge and Magistrate on October 25.
In response to the incident, doctors, nurses, and junior staff members of the hospital staged a protest the same day, wearing black armbands as a show of solidarity. The 30-minute demonstration, held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. outside the hospital, called for stronger measures to prevent violence or abuse against healthcare workers.
Hospital staff emphasized that they remain committed to providing medical services to the Maskeliya community and urged residents to support and safeguard the healthcare personnel who serve them.
