The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced plans to stage protests at major hospitals across Sri Lanka over the next few days, citing salary and allowance issues, a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers, and concerns over repressive laws.
In a statement, the GMOA said the protests aim to draw attention to several unresolved issues affecting doctors and the country’s free healthcare system.
The Association said doctors and other healthcare workers had made significant sacrifices during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, including giving up one-third of their additional duty and holiday allowances to support economic measures introduced by successive governments.
However, the GMOA claimed that despite the government’s statements regarding the country’s economic recovery, adequate measures had not been taken to address the grievances of healthcare professionals.
The Association further claimed that it had repeatedly requested discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and the Minister of Health regarding issues affecting the healthcare sector.
It said the requests also sought discussions on proposals submitted by the GMOA for the 2027 Budget, aimed at addressing the concerns of doctors and other healthcare workers.
However, the Association alleged that no positive response had been received from the authorities so far.
According to the GMOA, the planned protests will demand the restoration of reduced allowances, fair salaries reflecting the services provided by healthcare workers, and adequate facilities to perform their duties.
The Association will also call for the urgent recruitment of doctors and other healthcare personnel to address existing staff shortages, ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines and improve healthcare infrastructure.
The GMOA said the protests would also seek to pressure the government to engage in constructive discussions and take meaningful steps to resolve the issues affecting the country’s free healthcare system. (Newswire)
