GMOA remains stubborn as strike continues

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said its ongoing trade union action will continue after the Health Ministry failed to respond positively to a 48-hour ultimatum that ended on Saturday (31).  

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa told Daily Mirror that no favourable response had been received from the Health Ministry within the given time-frame, leaving doctors with no option but to press ahead with their strike action.  

He said the ultimatum had been issued to resolve five long-standing demands, but the continued silence of the authorities had forced the association to maintain and strengthen its trade union measures.  

The GMOA launched its trade union action on Monday (26) over what they said persistent issues in the state health sector.   

As part of the action, doctors have stopped issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at hospital outpatient departments