The Government Pharmacists’ Association has announced it will launch a one‑day trade union action on August 31, beginning at 8:00 am, in protest over issues surrounding their “additional service allowance.”
The move follows a circular issued by the Health Secretary, which changed the official name of pharmacists’ overtime allowance to “additional service allowance.”
The Association says the circular was later cancelled without valid justification, citing pressure from the medical service.
Association President Ajith P. Thilakaratne said authorities have yet to provide an acceptable solution, and warned that the strike will go ahead unless the circular is reinstated.
He added that maternity and children’s hospitals, cancer hospitals, and mental health institutions will be exempted from the action on humanitarian grounds.
In other hospitals, special arrangements have been made to maintain emergency and essential services, with chief pharmacists coordinating with hospital directors to ensure continuity.
Thilakaratne further noted that relevant parties have been informed to take necessary steps to minimize inconvenience to the public during the strike. (Newswire)
