GMOA to decide on next phase of union action

The Central Committee of the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) is scheduled to meet today (28) to determine the next phase of its escalating professional struggle.

This meeting follows the launch of indefinite trade union action that began on Monday morning (26), with the association warning that the intensity of their protests will increase daily if their grievances remain unaddressed.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has taken a firm stance against the industrial action, asserting that the government will not be intimidated by what he termed professional threats.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister confirmed that the planned annual transfers of doctors will proceed as scheduled in February to ensure a sustainable solution to medical shortages in rural hospitals.

The current trade union action has already begun to impact patient services through five specific measures.

Doctors have ceased issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable within the government hospital system, meaning patients will no longer receive official recommendations to purchase such drugs from private pharmacies.

Similarly, the issuance of referrals for laboratory tests and diagnostic services that cannot be performed within state facilities has been suspended, preventing patients from being officially directed to external private laboratories.