The sole anesthetist at Hambantota General Hospital has left the country without informing authorities.
He had purportedly taken a few days’ leave, but sent SMS messages to several doctors at the hospital yesterday (12) saying that he had gone to England.
An anesthetist should be present for the patients in critical condition at two ICU units and those awaiting surgery tomorrow.
Hospital director Dr. Suranga Ubeysekara said he has received no official intimation from the anesthetist that he had gone abroad.
The hospital is in a dilemma on how to find another anesthetist in a hurry, he said.
