Ball now in govt.’s court: GMOA issues ultimatum

• Trade union action launched on Monday centring on long-standing grievances

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to address its grievances. 

GMOA Secretary Dr Prabath Sugathadasa told Daily Mirror that the ultimatum will expire at 8.30 a.m. today (31). 

“If a favourable and responsible response is not received within this timeframe, we will convene an emergency executive committee meeting today and decide on further action,” he said.  

Dr Sugathadasa emphasised that any new action would be in addition to the ongoing trade union measures already launched based on five key demands. 

The GMOA commenced trade union action on Monday (26), centring on long-standing grievances, including a decision by doctors not to issue prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at hospital outpatient departments and would otherwise have to be purchased from private pharmacies. 

The association warned that continued inaction by the authorities would leave doctors with no option but to escalate their struggle, holding the government fully responsible for any disruption to health services.