GMOA’s strike to continue despite talks with Health Minister

Colombo, Nov.26 (Daily Mirror) - The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to continue its ongoing trade union action, despite a discussion held with the Health Minister this morning where only partial agreement was reached on several issues.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa told the Daily Mirror that the meeting was “not a complete success,” adding that further decisions— including whether to intensify the strike — would be taken over the course of this week.

The ongoing strike action includes abstaining from writing prescriptions for patients to obtain medicines, tests or medical equipment from private-sector pharmacies and laboratories.

The matter was reviewed at the GMOA’s Central Committee meeting today, where options for more stringent union action were discussed.

The GMOA had earlier given the government 48 hours to announce a clear, time-bound plan to resolve long-standing issues affecting doctors and the public health system, warning that failure to do so could lead to escalated strike action.

The Association said the 2026 Budget had failed to offer meaningful solutions to critical challenges faced by medical professionals and healthcare workers, raising concerns about the stability of Sri Lanka’s free health service.