GMOA urges authorities to announce time frame within 48 hours

Colombo, Nov. 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has warned that it will decide on further action within 48 hours if no specific time frame is announced for addressing the problems of doctors and the health system.

An emergency executive council meeting of the GMOA held today stressed the need for a clear schedule for implementing solutions. If the responsible authorities fail to provide a time frame within 48 hours, the GMOA Central Committee will discuss more stringent professional actions at its meeting on Wednesday (26).

The association highlighted that this year’s budget does not address the real issues faced by doctors and health staff, creating uncertainty over the future of Sri Lanka’s free health service.

The GMOA said it had submitted proposals and information to resolve the problems including to the President before the budget was presented, but the lack of attention has led to the current crisis.

While the GMOA has been forced to take some professional measures, it emphasized that no strikes have been announced in hospitals so far. The association has repeatedly requested a specific, time-bound plan to protect doctors and the health system.

During the recent Health Ministry Budget Committee debate, MPs discussed the challenges faced by doctors and the health sector. Although the Health Minister announced potential solutions, the lack of a set time frame has left the proposals uncertain.

The GMOA urges the President, Health Minister, and other responsible authorities to immediately announce a clear plan with a time frame to resolve the issues affecting doctors and the health system.