Doctors to continue ongoing strike, challenges Health Minister to public debate

• Strike action to continue from 8.00 a.m. today, citing unresolved concerns over what it describes as unfair transfers

By SHEAIN FERNANDOPULLE

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that its strike action will continue from 8.00 a.m. today, citing unresolved concerns over what it describes as unfair transfers. The association has staged a series of token strikes in recent days, raising multiple issues, including alleged irregularities in transfers involving post-internship doctors.

Addressing the media, GMOA Secretary Prabath Sugathadasa said post-internship doctors will refrain from applying for public service appointments until 12.00 noon on Saturday (04), in response to directives issued by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Sugathadasa alleged that post-internship doctors were being threatened by various parties, adding that while the Minister had advised them to lodge complaints, the first complaint should be made against the Minister himself for allegedly exerting pressure over public service appointments.

The GMOA also challenged the Health Minister to a public debate on any local media platform if discussions with the association are not initiated.