The Government Nursing Officers' Association (GNOA) today called on the authorities to shut down the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital that was dedicated to treat Covid patients, claiming that it was a breeding ground for Covid-19.

Its President Saman Rathnapriya told a news conference that the nursing staff who were assigned for duties at the ICU have fallen prey to Covid-19.

He said eight out of thirteen nurses who were assigned to the ICU for the last two days have been infected with the Covid-19 and added that 25 nurses were infected with the virus a month ago.

He said nursing staff at the KDU Hospital ICU continue to fall prey to the virus and pointed out that the authorities have failed to address this issue even after repeated complaints.

"This ICU is not properly cleaned. Junior staff are not assigned to carry out full time duties here. They only visit twice a day. There is none to remove the PPE kits at times. We have complained to the Health Secretary and the Director General of Health Services. No action has been taken as yet," he said.

Mr. Rathpriya said only nursing officers have been assigned for duties at the ICU risking the lives of the nurses and pointed out that at least a team of doctors and junior staff should be assigned for duties.

"This ICU is kept open to treat their people. If they want to continue it, assign staff of the KDU hospital without assigning the nursing staff of the health services," he asked.(Ajith Siriwardana)