The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that it will launch a continuous islandwide trade union action from January 23 if agreements reached with the Health Minister to resolve issues affecting doctors and the free public health service are not implemented.
In a media release issued on January 19, the GMOA said doctors are facing growing unrest after the 2026 Budget failed to address key issues affecting the medical profession and the health sector.
The association said trade union action had earlier been temporarily suspended based on written assurances given following discussions with the President and the Health Minister. These assurances included approval of a Cabinet paper to establish a special service category titled the “Sri Lanka Medical Service,” with the participation and consensus of all stakeholders.
Other agreed measures included updating the DAT allowance, resolving transport-related issues in line with Circular 22/99, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent allowance, and addressing issues related to the research allowance through discussions with the Ministry of Finance starting January 5.
However, the GMOA said the failure to initiate discussions and implement these agreements has compelled it to decide on strong trade union action. The Executive Committee has unanimously decided to commence a continuous islandwide trade union action from January 23 if the Health Ministry fails to resolve the issues within the stipulated timeframe.
The GMOA warned that further delays in addressing the real issues facing doctors and the health service could lead to growing dissatisfaction among both the medical community and the public, potentially triggering an unnecessary crisis in the health sector.
The association said it would not hesitate to take the strongest possible trade union action if justice is not delivered to doctors and the free public health service. (Newswire)
