PHIs abstain from dengue control activities

COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - While Sri Lanka is facing a significant dengue outbreak with cases soaring, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union has decided to stay away from dengue control activities from today (15).

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, PHIU executive member Roshan Kumara said the decision has been made in protest of the failure of the authorities to respond to their grievances.

According to the executive member, one of the key concerns is the failure to increase the mileage and transport allowances provided for field duties.

“These allowances have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, fuel prices and motorcycle maintenance costs, leading to financial difficulties for the Public Health Inspectors," he claimed.

“To articulate their grievances, the association has chosen to engage in trade union action,” he added.

Accordingly, all dengue control activities including tracing patients, fogging etc. will come to a standstill consequent to the trade union action. 

Sri Lanka has so far logged a total of 71,800 dengue cases to go with 44 deaths. According to health authorities, cases are expected to further increase owing to the prevailing rainy conditions.