The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced another islandwide one-day token strike again on April 2, citing failure to correct alleged irregularities in the medical transfer process.
The GMOA said it had already conducted a one-day islandwide token strike on March 31 in protest against what it described as politically influenced decisions in post-intern placements and difficult service transfer lists. The strike was suspended at 8.00 a.m. today as scheduled, following which the GMOA held an emergency executive committee meeting to review developments.
According to the GMOA, concerns were raised over continued arbitrary decisions and irregularities in the transfer process, allegedly carried out through political interference and in violation of accepted procedures.
Among the issues highlighted were:
- Arbitrary revision of post-intern vacancy lists without approval from the transfer board
- Reduction of difficult service stations from 393 to 265 without stakeholder agreement or transfer board approval
- Increasing the minimum required service period in difficult areas from one year to two years without following accepted procedure
The GMOA said sufficient time had been given to authorities, including the Health Minister, to correct the decisions and restore a lawful process, but no action had been taken so far.
Following the review, the GMOA decided to launch another islandwide one-day token strike from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (April 2), demanding the removal of political interference and correction of the alleged irregularities.
The GMOA warned that responsibility for any inconvenience caused to the public due to the trade union action would lie with the Health Ministry and relevant authorities if the issues are not addressed. (Newswire)
