GMOA launches indefinite trade union action

Doctors in all hospitals across the country are engaging in a continuous trade union action starting at 8:00 AM today (26). The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) stated that this move follows the conclusion of a previous 48-hour symbolic strike.

Medical professionals are withdrawing from five specific services, including the refusal to issue prescriptions for patients to purchase out-of-stock medicines from private pharmacies.

This escalation stems from the Health Ministry's alleged failure to implement agreed-upon solutions for issues facing doctors.

The government remains prepared to use minimum force if unfair strikes jeopardise patient lives, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni.

Speaking at an event in Kandy, he noted that the state must take necessary steps if strike actions continue to cause public distress.

Although daily hospital operations briefly returned to normal yesterday morning after the symbolic strike ended, the GMOA Executive Committee met shortly after to finalise this new phase of industrial action.