COLOMBO : The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will stage a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital Tuesday, Nov. (10), demanding solutions to several issues affecting doctors and the country’s healthcare system.
GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr Chamil Wijesinghe announced this at a media briefing held Saturday, (9), stating that representatives from the Association’s District branches across the country are expected to gather in Colombo. He clarified that the protest would not involve a trade union (TU) strike and that routine medical services would continue at all hospitals without disruption.
The GMOA has raised concerns over alleged cuts to doctors’ salaries and allowances, unresolved issues relating to official quarters and security concerns affecting medical professionals. Dr Wijesinghe said that the Association expects the Government to address these issues through the upcoming Budget. He noted that doctors had been waiting for solutions for the past two-and-a-half years and warned that the planned protest would mark the first step in further TU action if their concerns remain unresolved. He also criticised what he described as attacks against doctors on social media, stating that concerns over professional security and welfare had added to dissatisfaction among medical professionals. The GMOA further warned that the failure to address the concerns of doctors and specialists would raise questions about the Government’s commitment to maintaining the country’s free healthcare system. Dr Wijesinghe expressed hope that the Government’s third Budget under the National People’s Power administration would provide concrete solutions to the issues raised by the medical community.
Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni responding to the GMOA’s decision to strike told The Daily Morning that the Union had a proper opportunity to submit its budget proposals in May and June, just like other trade unions (TUs). “Instead of doing so at the right time, they’ve waited until the last minute and are now creating unnecessary drama, with just two days left before the Budget”. He said that the Government has already considered the proposals submitted on time and has a clear understanding of the doctors’ concerns. “There’s no need for panic. The Government is committed to providing what doctors deserve. However, the priority should be patients, not protests. Hospitals are already short of doctors, and any further disruption will directly affect patient care. If doctors are needed in hospitals, they should be there looking after patients rather than joining protests in Colombo. Doctors’ conc
