Patients in the lurch as doctors, health ministry lock horns

Colombo, April 6 (Daily Mirror) - Patients across the country are bearing the brunt of an escalating standoff between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and health authorities as a bitter dispute over post-internship appointments spirals into a full-blown crisis.

The GMOA has alleged that junior doctors were compelled to apply for post-internship placements under duress, claiming that the Ministry of Health exerted pressure through threats and intimidation.

According to GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, many young doctors found themselves trapped in a climate of fear, unsure of their professional future.

He claimed that those eligible for appointments were warned of severe consequences if they failed to comply, including termination from public service, suspension of salaries, and even eviction from hospital-provided accommodation.

“These doctors were pushed into a highly vulnerable and unstable situation. They were fearful in the face of these threats,” he said.

Despite these concerns, the GMOA has pressed ahead with trade union action, announcing that its strike will continue from 8.00 a.m., citing unresolved grievances over what it describes as an unfair and opaque transfer process.

Dr. Sugathadasa further alleged that even as doctors were advised to lodge complaints over intimidation, the Health Minister himself should be the subject of the first complaint.

He also challenged the Minister to a public debate as tensions escalate between the two sides appears to have completely broken down.

The association has already staged a series of token strikes in recent days.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, however, has strongly rejected the claims, insisting that the strike lacks any legitimate basis.

He maintained that the appointment system does not warrant negotiation and criticised the GMOA for resorting to trade union action instead of seeking legal remedies through the courts.

The Minister also warned that the ongoing strike is placing patients at risk, arguing that such actions are irresponsible and unacceptable in a sector as critical as healthcare.

As both sides dig in, the deadlock shows no signs of easing. While the GMOA insists that professionals prefer resolving disputes through dialogue, it has accused the Minister of avoiding meaningful engagement.