- Full-scale strike a last resort
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to commence a series of Trade Union (TU) actions beginning Monday (17) in response to ongoing shortages of medical staff, equipment, and essential medicines in the public health system.
GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe stated that while a full-scale strike remained a last resort, the association was prepared to escalate actions if the Government failed to respond.
“In fact, we have already declared some trade union action starting from Monday onwards. Striking is something we consider as the last option, considering the security of the health system. However, if the Government pushes us, stronger TU measures may be necessary,” Dr. Wijesinghe said.
The planned actions include refraining from prescribing or dispensing out-of-stock medicines, abstaining from political health camps and clinics, and refusing deployment to newly-opened hospital units or wards lacking adequate human resources.
Dr. Wijesinghe charged that the crisis was already affecting the public. “Due to the prevailing shortage of equipment and human resources, healthcare services have been significantly impacted. Patients are already affected, and our demands aim to revive and strengthen the free healthcare system rather than just address salaries,” he stated.
The GMOA’s demands include ensuring the Government supplies sufficient quality medicines, increases the number of doctors in the system, and implements a sustainable plan to retain medical professionals within the country.
“We urge the Government to take immediate steps to provide economic justice for doctors, establish a favourable working environment, and address issues affecting patient care. If any further impact occurs on the public, the responsibility lies with the authorities,” Dr. Wijesinghe remarked.
The GMOA has indicated that meetings with political leaders, including Opposition figures, are being pursued, but decisive action from the Government is needed to avert further deterioration of the public health system.
– By Maheesha Mudugamuwa