The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) stated that the professional action launched by doctors in all hospitals across the island will continue unabated.

This was stated by the Association's Secretary, Dr. Prasad Sugathadasa, following a discussion held this morning (17) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with a delegation of GMOA representatives.

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, Media Spokesperson for the GMOA, said that during the special discussion held this morning between the President and the GMOA, the President agreed to take steps to quickly provide a solution to the issues concerning the privileges and allowances due to doctors by consulting with the Treasury and relevant parties and identifying a timeframe within which these problems should be resolved.

He mentioned that the President promised to examine which of the doctors' issues should be included in the third reading of the budget and which solutions can be provided outside of the budget, and act to resolve them.

The Media Spokesperson stated that the President expressed his appreciation and praised the service rendered by doctors despite the difficulties, and mentioned that he would pay attention to taking every possible step to retain doctors within the country.

He added that the President promised to focus on providing solutions to several demands, including updating doctors' allowances, making the additional allowance paid to doctors a fixed allowance, and establishing a unique salary structure and service category for doctors.

However, Dr. Wijesinghe emphasised that the President was informed about the trade union action launched by the doctors starting today, and that the action will proceed without any changes.

He further stated that the GMOA's Executive Committee will convene this afternoon to decide on the future course of professional action to be taken by the Association.