The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will hold a special central committee meeting on Wednesday (07 Jan), to decide on future trade union action, citing the government’s failure to honour written agreements made to resolve long‑standing issues in the health sector.
The GMOA said that despite earlier commitments by the Health Minister, including updating the DAT allowance, resolving transport issues under Circular 22/99, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent benefit, and establishing a distinct “Sri Lanka Medical Service”, none of these pledges have been implemented.
Issuing a statement, the association noted that discussions scheduled with the Finance Ministry from January 5 were not initiated due to the Health Ministry’s inaction, which breached the agreed-upon timeline.
The union emphasised that protecting Sri Lanka’s free health service is a national responsibility, warning that continued disregard for doctors’ concerns and systemic issues, such as human resource shortages and drug supply crises, could lead to renewed trade union action.
The GMOA stressed that while it has acted with flexibility, the government’s failure to deliver on promises has eroded trust and raised serious doubts about its commitment to safeguarding the country’s free healthcare system. (Newswire)
