Patients face double whammy as doctors strike again

1 April 2026 11:19 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Colombo, April 1 (Daily Mirror) - Public are reeling from a double blow as the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) launched a nationwide token strike yesterday (31), compounding the hardships already triggered by global tensions.

Several hospitals reported incidents of patients fainting due to the absence of doctors. The strike began at 8.00 a.m. across all hospitals island-wide, according to GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa.

The association cited several demands, including opposition to what it claims are illegal transfers of doctors. Dr. Sugathadasa said the list of transfers, prepared by the government, represents “unfair and politically influenced decisions” and is unlike previous administrations.

“The token strike is a peaceful protest to bring attention to these concerns,” he added.

However, he emphasized that the industrial action will not affect maternity hospitals, children’s hospitals, Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, specialized kidney units, tri-forces hospitals, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Sugathadasa further warned that if the government does not respond to the GMOA’s demands, stricter trade union actions could follow in the future.

Comments - 12

Aram Wednesday, 01 April 2026 11:33 AM

Who cares This government will not give in the terror mafia action by GMOA

3 25

Cheers Wednesday, 01 April 2026 01:21 PM

This government and the henchmen are getting back what they instigated during Gotabaya and this is call karma on pacha kumara and government.

0 0

Dr Prasad Edirisooriya Wednesday, 01 April 2026 07:55 PM

Greedy Mudalali Ogres Association should be abolished and unions banned for those getting paid with public tax money.

0 0

Sad indeed Wednesday, 01 April 2026 12:02 PM

What else can you expect from vultures who feed on the sick at private hospitals while neglecting the poor who paid for their education through unseen taxes.

4 29

Joshua Wednesday, 01 April 2026 01:06 PM

Di not give in to these morons who will rot in hell

0 0

Sugadathasa Wednesday, 01 April 2026 02:12 PM

Abolish GMOA by parliamentary amendment if required Anurakumara has 2/3 but has no balls.

0 0

Ram P Wednesday, 01 April 2026 02:42 PM

SLMA, Why are you silent? You gave them the right to practice after they took the oath, signed a five paragraph document confirming that they will serve the people as a priority. What are they doing now?

0 0

Karalasingam Sivalingam Wednesday, 01 April 2026 03:53 PM

Transfer issues could be sorted out by negotiations. AKD please postpone Transfes for 6 to 12 months. Postponements will affect the doctors serving in difficult areas. "One man's food is another man's poison. Patients in a delima.

0 0

Emsf Temp Wednesday, 01 April 2026 04:20 PM

Ask them to pay back the tution fees for their education and prohibit private practice

0 0

Dakshini Perera Wednesday, 01 April 2026 05:17 PM

After the FREE medical education they got out of taxpayer money, this is how they repay the people. Shame on you!

0 0

Voter Wednesday, 01 April 2026 07:38 PM

Doctors should be aware that they cannot abuse the the patients all the time.

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Victor Thursday, 02 April 2026 03:22 AM

They should have a introductory lesson for the university students to let them know that it’s the poor and rich who pay for their education if you want to be a rich doctor then you have to rob the people who paid for your education

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