The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to commence an island-wide indefinite trade union action with effect from 8.00 a.m. today (26).
The decision was taken due to the alleged failure of the Ministry of Health to implement solutions that had already been agreed upon.
GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe stated that the action will be carried out through five specific trade union measures.
Accordingly, the measures include:
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Refraining from issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at clinics and Outpatient Departments (OPDs) to be purchased from external pharmacies.
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Refraining from issuing prescriptions or recommendations for laboratory tests that are unavailable within the hospital system to be carried out at private laboratories or private hospitals.
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Not permitting the establishment of new units within the hospital system if the approved number of doctors cannot be provided or if the necessary approvals have not been granted.
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Withholding support for certain clinics and health camps conducted for political purposes or to meet political requirements.
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Doctors withdrawing from duties at hospitals, clinics, and OPDs if assistant officers are not provided to support patient examinations.
Speaking further, Dr. Wijesinghe emphasized that the action does not amount to a refusal to work.
“These five trade union actions we are commencing from today are not about refusing to work. We will continue to provide services, but only in an environment where it is possible to do so. If the necessary facilities are not provided, the responsibility for the collapse of the free healthcare service will lie with the Ministry of Health, the Minister of Health, and the government,” he said.
He added that a Central Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday (28), at which further decisions on additional trade union action will be taken. Accordingly, the ongoing trade union action will be intensified on a day-by-day basis.
“If the health system or patient care services collapse at any stage as a result of these actions, the Ministry of Health, the Minister of Health, and the government must bear full responsibility,” Dr. Wijesinghe added.
