Medical officers to strike today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) expects to hold an island-wide strike from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, a statement said yesterday.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Navin De Soysa said in the statement that the strike was in protest of the Government failing to address their demands.

It said that the five grievances the GMOA has with budget proposals.

They include introduction of a contribution-based pension scheme, curtailment of allowances for public servants, taking funds from tobacco companies to spend on cigarette harmfulness awareness programs, privatising public hospitals and issuing five years visiting visa for foreigners to work inside the country were not solved by the Government yet. 

Health Minister Rajitha Senerathne claimed the ministry is ready to deal with the strikers today. Speaking at a function to celebrate the UN Day for Solidarity with Palestine, Senerathne said there was no discussion on the issues highlighted prior to the GMOA-led protest. 

Stressing that the GMOA should first discuss the issues with the ministry before protesting, the Minister said that the Government is ready to face trade union action.