The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that Sri Lanka is facing an uncontrolled dengue outbreak, with daily case numbers climbing sharply despite ongoing eradication programmes.

GMOA spokesman Chamil Wijesinghe told reporters that the situation is heading towards a pandemic, drawing parallels to the severe outbreak of 2017. 

He noted that as of yesterday (05), more than 61,000 dengue cases have been recorded this year, with 1,420 cases reported in a single day.

June alone accounted for 21,000 cases, nearly 40% of the year’s total, while the first five days of July saw 5,600 new infections. Data shows around 9,000 cases reported between last week and this week, a surge amounting to a 150% increase, he said. 

Wijesinghe went on to note that hospitals in the Western and Southern Provinces, and the Kandy, and Ratnapura districts are already overwhelmed, with capacity exceeded. 

He stressed that if eradication programmes were effective, such rapid increases would not be occurring.

The GMOA spokesman further urged the government to urgently convene all stakeholders, monitor real‑time data, and adopt a stronger, comprehensive plan to prevent the outbreak from spiraling into an uncontrollable crisis. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has suspended a senior medical officer at the Trincomalee District General Hospital following revelations of negligence linked to the deaths of infants during childbirth.

According to the Independent Television network (ITN), the suspension was ordered last Friday by the Health Ministry Secretary after a preliminary investigation uncovered serious lapses in duty. 

The inquiry was launched in response to the Government Medical Officers’ Association announcing a strike on April 9, citing the tragic incident of infant deaths.

Investigators found that on April 9, at around 8.45 am, a newborn at the hospital’s maternity ward was in distress. Although a resident midwife raised the alarm, proper medical attention was not provided, and official responsibilities were neglected. 

The probe revealed that the mother’s suffering was prolonged, complications were allowed to develop, and even when patients were admitted, adequate care was not given.

Further findings showed that the doctor failed to participate in the delivery, leaving no opportunity to prevent complications. Despite the mother showing symptoms such as fever and cold, medical intervention was lacking. 

The Health Ministry noted that similar irregularities in duty had been observed in the past, and these were highlighted in a letter issued by the Secretary.

The Ministry confirmed that disciplinary steps were taken following the misconduct. 

The doctor at fault has been identified as a specialist serving as the President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association at the Trincomalee District General Hospital. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association is to end its 48-hour islandwide strike at 8.00 a.m. on Saturday (11).

The GMOA launched the token strike at 8.00 a.m. on Wednesday (09), alleging that the Health Ministry had violated agreements related to post-intern doctor appointments.

The association said it will decide on its future course of action following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday period. (Newswire)

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Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today said the Government will not proceed with the meeting scheduled for today with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), following the union’s decision to launch a 48-hour strike.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister Jayatissa said he had agreed on Sunday to hold discussions with the GMOA today on other issues, but not on the appointments of newly qualified doctors.

He stressed that the law clearly states that trade unions have no role in decisions related to the appointments of newly qualified doctors who have completed their internship training.

However, the Minister acknowledged that trade unions do have a role when it comes to mid-career transfers, noting that such matters are traditionally discussed with unions. He said the current issue, however, concerns new appointments and not transfers, and therefore does not fall within the GMOA’s scope.

Minister Jayatissa further said the Government decided not to proceed with the meeting after the GMOA declared what he described as an “unfair” 48-hour strike over the matter.

He also noted that 96% of newly qualified doctors had rejected the GMOA’s directive and joined the service.

The Minister urged the new doctors to continue reporting to work without fear, assuring that police protection and public support would be provided if necessary.

He added that the Government is prepared to face any situation arising from the strike. (Newswire)

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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)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a strike will be launched at 8.00 am tomorrow (4) once again, over unfair transfers.

The GMOA has staged token strikes in the last few days over several demands, including unfair transfers related to post‑internship doctors.

The association also challenged Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to a debate on any local media channel if he refuses to engage in discussions with the GMOA regarding their concerns.

Addressing the media, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said post‑internship doctors will not apply for public service appointments before 12.00 noon on Saturday (04), as ordered by the Health Minister.

He stated that post‑internship doctors were being threatened by various parties and that the Health Minister had urged them to file complaints. Sugathadasa added that the first complaint should be filed against Minister Jayatissa himself, as he, in his capacity as Health Minister, had threatened doctors over their public service appointments.

The GMOA has instructed post‑internship doctors not to apply for what it described as corrupt and wrongful public service appointments, highlighting difficulties and issues in rural hospitals.

“You are allergic to discussions. We are ready for a discussion to solve these issues. If you do not want to engage in discussions with us, we will give you another opportunity. We would like an open debate with the government, and you as the Health Minister, on any media platform,” he said.

Sugathadasa’s remarks came in response to Minister Jayatissa’s recent statement that post‑internship doctors who fail to apply for public service appointments before 12.00 noon on Saturday (04) will not be recruited into the public service and will lose their current positions and salaries.

The Minister noted that doctors who miss the deadline may only be considered in a future intake, following approval by the Public Service Commission. He said such applicants would be placed at the bottom of the list, below the next batch of around 1,300 applicants.

Minister Jayatissa made the statement in connection with the strike launched by the GMOA over several demands, including transfers. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said post-internship doctors who fail to apply for public service appointments before 12:00 noon on Saturday (4) will not be recruited into the public service and will lose their current positions and salaries.

“If any doctor fails to apply before Saturday noon, they will not be able to join the government service. Their service at their current hospitals will end, and their salaries will be stopped,” he said.

The Minister made these comments in response to questions from journalists, over a token strike launched by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) which the minister criticised as unjustified and politically motivated.

“This strike is being carried out with full knowledge that it causes hardship to the public,” he said, adding that patients seeking treatment at outpatient departments (OPD) were being inconvenienced.

He further stressed that the deadline would not be extended under any circumstances.

“This list will not be extended by even one minute after 12:00 noon on Saturday,” he said.

The minister noted that doctors who miss the deadline may only be considered in a future intake, following the approval of the Public Service Commission. He said such applicatnts would be placed at the bottom of the list, below the next batch of around 1,300 applicants.

According to the minister, the application process is currently open for 453 doctors who have completed their internship, with appointments to be made.

He alleged that the GMOA was attempting to influence these doctors against applying.

“The process currently being carried out is inhumane and unfair. These doctors are being misled and intimidated,” he said, urging them not to be influenced by external pressure.

The minister also warned that any threats or intimidation against doctors would be investigated, including the Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“If any group or individual has threatened or intimidated doctors, they should report it immediately. We will take action,” he said. (Newswire)

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Medical services across Sri Lanka faced disruption today (31) as doctors began a nationwide token strike at 8.00 a.m., protesting what they describe as illegal and arbitrary transfer decisions by the Health Ministry.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said the ministry had issued transfer lists for 2026, including post‑intern appointments and difficult service locations, without approval from the transfer board and outside accepted procedures.

The union alleged that the number of difficult service stations had been reduced from 393 to 265 without a scientific basis or stakeholder agreement, warning that the move could worsen shortages in rural hospitals.

It further claimed that the eligibility period to apply for transfers from difficult stations had been extended from one year to two years without proper consultation, creating unfair conditions for doctors currently serving in those areas.

According to the GMOA, the failure to update approved doctor cadre positions for nearly a decade has already led to severe shortages across hospitals, placing both patients and medical staff under pressure. 

The association also accused the ministry of assigning a large number of doctors to the “Arogya” project without approval from the Management Services Commission, despite shortages in many hospitals.

The GMOA warned that these decisions could lead to further disruption of healthcare services and greater inconvenience to patients, underscoring the urgent need for corrective action. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says that despite repeated proposals and requests to resolve longstanding issues in the health service, authorities have failed to take meaningful steps. 

Issuing a statement, the GMOA states that the situation has been worsened by fuel restrictions, which have created practical difficulties for doctors and frontline health workers in maintaining essential services.

Highlighting the urgency, the GMOA has called for immediate transport solutions to support medical staff and revealed that a written request has already been made to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

However, the association noted that neither the Ministry of Health nor other responsible officials have responded to the matter.

To address the crisis, the GMOA will convene an emergency central committee meeting tomorrow (17 March) with representatives from across the country. 

The meeting will also see the presentation of a special committee report on primary healthcare issues, with decisive announcements expected on future trade union actions and measures to safeguard the free health service. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to withdraw from hospital clinic activities from next Monday (02 March).

The GMOA said this decision was taken because the government did not provide a proper response to the demands to establish a special service for doctors.

The Secretary of the Association, Prabath Aththanayake, stated that the 50 clinics currently operating and the mobile clinic systems are projects based on political objectives.

He further said that in the background of a shortage of staff to maintain the country’s primary health service, doctors have decided not to support such projects.

The Secretary also stated that since the subject minister or government authorities have not made a reasonable intervention regarding the problems faced by doctors, the current trade union action could escalate into a full strike. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced its decision to withdraw from the reporting of health data with effect from February 18.

The association said it has decided to intensify its ongoing trade union action, stating that the government has failed to provide an adequate response to its concerns.

The GMOA said it would refrain from submitting information to the Ministry of Health regarding community health activities carried out under the intervention and direct supervision of Medical Officers of Health.

The association also said it would suspend supervisory duties related to staff engaged in community health services as part of its escalated action. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) commenced a symbolic strike across hospitals islandwide today (23 Jan) at 8 am, which will continue for 48 hours.

The association said the strike is being launched due to the failure to implement six agreed demands, including the revision of doctors’ DAT allowance, transport allowance, and research allowance.

However, the GMOA clarified that the strike will not be carried out in maternity and children’s hospitals, kidney hospitals, cancer hospitals, tri‑forces hospitals, and the National Institute of Mental Health in Angoda.

Meanwhile, the Association of Specialist Doctors announced that it will not extend any support to the GMOA strike. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced a 48-hour token strike across state hospitals islandwide, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow, citing the Health Ministry’s failure to implement previously agreed solutions. Emergency services will continue during the strike.

The association said trade union action had earlier been temporarily suspended based on written assurances given following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Health Minister.

According to the GMOA, these assurances included Cabinet approval 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 Disturbance, Availability and Transport (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 the association to proceed with strong trade union action. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has ended the doctors’ strike that had been launched in all hospitals in the Eastern Province, as of 2 pm today (22 Jan).

The strike had been initiated, demanding the removal of the Medical Superintendent of the Akkaraipattu Base Hospital, citing administrative and financial irregularities, and the appointment of another director to the post.

Accordingly, the Medical Superintendent in question has now been immediately removed from the position, with the relevant letter issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, leading to the conclusion of the strike.

The GMOA stated that patient care services in all hospitals across the Eastern Province have now resumed normal operations. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association today (13 Jan) launched a doctors’ strike across all hospitals in the Eastern Province.

The strike was initiated, demanding the removal of the Medical Superintendent of the Akkaraipattu Base Hospital, citing administrative and financial irregularities, and calling for the appointment of another director to the post.

Accordingly, the strike is being carried out in 2 general hospitals, 1 teaching hospital, 17 base hospitals, 52 district hospitals, and 113 primary medical centres in the Eastern Province.

However, GMOA Executive Committee Member and Ampara District Organizer Dr. Janith Peduruarachchi stated that doctors in all hospitals in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts are participating in this trade union action. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will hold a special central committee meeting on Wednesday (07 Jan), to decide on future trade union action, citing the government’s failure to honour written agreements made to resolve long‑standing issues in the health sector.

The GMOA said that despite earlier commitments by the Health Minister, including updating the DAT allowance, resolving transport issues under Circular 22/99, converting the additional duty allowance into a permanent benefit, and establishing a distinct “Sri Lanka Medical Service”, none of these pledges have been implemented. 

Issuing a statement, the association noted that discussions scheduled with the Finance Ministry from January 5 were not initiated due to the Health Ministry’s inaction, which breached the agreed-upon timeline.

The union emphasised that protecting Sri Lanka’s free health service is a national responsibility, warning that continued disregard for doctors’ concerns and systemic issues, such as human resource shortages and drug supply crises, could lead to renewed trade union action. 

The GMOA stressed that while it has acted with flexibility, the government’s failure to deliver on promises has eroded trust and raised serious doubts about its commitment to safeguarding the country’s free healthcare system. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that it will intensify its ongoing trade union action if fair solutions to its demands are not provided by the government.

Issuing a statement, the GMOA said that a final decision on intensifying trade union action will be taken at the central committee meeting scheduled for November 26.

The GMOA further noted that during discussions held with the President on Monday (17), the President had agreed to the association’s proposals. However, the GMOA had requested that a clear program with a fixed timeline be announced for their implementation.

The association further stated that although a separate discussion was also held with the Minister of Health, no credible set of solutions or program has yet been presented to safeguard the country’s doctors and the health service.

The GMOA emphasized that with the third reading of the Budget and the Health Ministry committee debate scheduled for Saturday, it expects the Minister of Health to announce a clear roadmap with timelines to resolve these issues.

Meanwhile, the GMOA said its executive committee is closely monitoring current developments and analyzing future trends.

The statement concluded that if justice is not delivered to the country’s doctors and the free health service, the GMOA will be compelled to resort to more severe and decisive trade union measures in the coming days. (Newswire)

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A special discussion between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and senior members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was held today at the party headquarters in Nelum Mawatha.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, National Organiser and MP D.V. Chanaka, MPs Chanaka Madugoda, and former State Ministers Indika Anuruddha and Prasanna Ranatunga took part in the meeting.

GMOA President Dr. Sanjeewa Thennakoon, Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, and several union officials also attended.

The meeting took place as the GMOA continues its ongoing trade union action, which has limited services at government hospitals in protest against several proposals in the 2026 Budget. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to continue with its ongoing trade union action, despite discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday. 

Following a discussion with the President yesterday, the GMOA said the President had informed them that their proposals would be discussed further and that he would look into the possibility of providing reasonable solutions.

However, the GMOA announced today that it will continue with its trade union action due to the unsatisfactory solution to the concerns raised by the union. 

The union commenced a trade union action yesterday (17)  in protest of the government’s lack of attention to their budget proposals in the 2026 budget.

Accordingly, several medical services, including the issuance of prescriptions for external pharmacies and referrals for private laboratory tests, were restricted across hospitals islandwide. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to support the continued maintenance of economic stability, during a meeting held this morning (Nov. 17) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussion was convened following a request by the GMOA. During the meeting, President Dissanayake asserted that while the economy, which had collapsed in 2022, has now been stabilised, preserving that stability remains a key priority of his government.

He acknowledged the critical role of the health sector in ensuring public well-being and reaffirmed that his government does not intend to reduce the benefits and facilities owed to professionals, including medical practitioners.

“The country must be rebuilt together, without creating a situation where you keep asking and I simply keep giving,” President Dissanayake said, calling for collective responsibility in the reform process.

The GMOA, in turn, stressed on the importance of safeguarding doctors and specialists, describing them as vital human resources in the health system. The Association presented a set of proposals and requests, which were discussed in detail.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, other health ministry officials, and GMOA representatives attended the meeting. (Newswire)

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