Patients caught in doctors–Health Ministry tug of war

Doctors insist the action is necessary to press their demands, patients particularly the poor, elderly and chronically ill continue to bear the brunt of the prolonged dispute 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Patients were caught in the middle as disruptions to government hospital services continued for a fourth day amid ongoing tensions between doctors and health authorities.  

From 8.00 a.m. on Monday (26), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) withdrew from several routine services, including prescribing medicines to be purchased from external pharmacies and recommending laboratory tests outside government hospitals.  

Although emergency services were maintained, thousands of patients dependent on daily public healthcare were left facing delays, inconvenience and uncertainty.  

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said the trade union action was prompted by the Health Ministry’s failure to implement solutions previously agreed upon, adding that the withdrawal of services would affect government hospitals nationwide.  

The latest action comes just two days after a 48-hour token strike staged on January 23.  

While doctors insist the action is necessary to press their demands, patients particularly the poor, elderly and chronically ill continue to bear the brunt of the prolonged dispute.  

Responding to the strike, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said the ministry remains open to discussions claiming that doctors have shown little interest in engaging in dialogue to resolve their grievances.