Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) opposing the appointment process for doctors who completed their internship lacks a valid basis for discussion.
Responding to questions from journalists, the minister said that if there are concerns regarding the appointment system, the association should seek legal remedies without jeopardizing patient lives.
He further urged the GMOA not to escalate disputes with the ministry at the expense of the public, stressing that any challenge to the legality of internship appointments should be taken to court.
“If you claim the appointment process is unlawful, the appropriate course is to challenge it legally. That way, the matter can be resolved through judicial means,” he said. He added that the GMOA was instead seeking to exert pressure on the government and put patient lives at risk.
The Health Minister also reiterated that the deadline for intern doctors to apply for entry into government service expired at 12:00 p.m. on April 4 and would not be extended.
He warned that applicants who fail to meet the deadline, or submit late applications, would not be eligible to work in government hospitals or receive salaries going forward.
The GMOA launched island-wide strikes early this month, protesting alleged political interference and irregularities in doctor transfers and post-intern appointments. (Newswire)