The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced the commencement of an island-wide indefinite trade union action starting at 8.00 a.m. today (26), following what it describes as the Ministry of Health’s failure to carry out previously agreed corrective measures.
GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the action will be implemented through a series of five trade union measures, emphasizing that doctors are not refusing to work but will operate strictly within the limits of available resources and approved conditions.
Under the action plan, medical officers will refrain from issuing prescriptions for medicines that are not available at hospital clinics or outpatient departments for purchase from private pharmacies. Similarly, prescriptions or referrals for laboratory tests unavailable within the public hospital system will not be issued for external laboratories or private institutions.
The GMOA has also decided not to support the establishment of new hospital units unless the approved number of doctors is provided and official authorization is granted. In addition, doctors will withdraw from politically motivated clinics and health camps, and will step away from duties at hospitals, clinics, and OPDs if assistant officers are not assigned to support patient examinations.
Addressing the media, Dr. Wijesinghe stressed that responsibility for any disruption to the free health service would rest with the Ministry of Health and the government if essential facilities are not ensured. He further stated that the GMOA’s Central Committee will meet on Wednesday (28) to decide on further steps, warning that the ongoing trade union action could be intensified in the coming days.
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