GMOA threatens countrywide work stoppage

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today warned it would launch a countrywide work stoppage against the failure to legalise the minimum standards of medical education.

GMOA Secretary Haritha Aluthge told a news conference that this situation had led to a crisis situation where unqualified medical officers without the necessary qualifications had been given the opportunity to practice.

“It has been proved in court that minimum standards of medical education should be legalised. However, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne has blocked the procedure to legalise minimum standards for medical education,” Dr. Aluthge said adding that this was because he was keen to help Dr. Neville Fernando's business colleagues to earn money.

He said the Minister wanted to destroy the health sector by means of allowing unqualified medical officers to run the health sector.

“This is a serious situation because it is something to do with the lives of patients. When unqualified medical officers without proper medical knowledge prescribe medicine, they risk the lives of the patients,” Dr. Aluthge said and added that this was why the authorities should take prompt action to legalise the minimum standards of medical education.

When asked when they would launch the work stoppage, Dr. Aluthge said it would be decided at the central committee meeting on Thursday.  (Sheain Fernandopulle)