Patients continue to suffer as doctors’ strike continues

Colombo, Nov. 27 (Daily Mirror) - Patients across the country continue to be affected as the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to continue its ongoing trade union action, despite talks held with the Health Minister last morning.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa told the Daily Mirror that although certain issues were agreed upon during the discussion, the meeting was “not a complete success".

He said further decisions including whether the strike would be intensified would be made over the coming week.

Under the ongoing trade union action, doctors are abstaining from issuing prescriptions for patients to obtain medicines, laboratory tests or medical equipment from private-sector pharmacies and labs. This has left many patients struggling to access essential care, with some forced to postpone treatments or seek alternative consultations.

The GMOA’s Central Committee met yesterday to review the situation and discuss the possibility of more stringent union measures.

The Association had earlier given the government 48 hours to present a clear and time-bound plan to resolve long-standing issues affecting doctors and the public health system, warning that failure to do so could prompt stronger action.

The GMOA maintains that the 2026 Budget failed to provide meaningful solutions to the challenges faced by medical professionals and healthcare staff, raising renewed concerns about the future stability of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system.

Meanwhile, patients and hospital visitors continue to express frustration as disruptions persist. Hence, they urge both parties to reach a swift resolution to avoid further strain on the public health service.