The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has alleged that junior doctors applied for post-internship appointments under pressure and threats reportedly exerted by the Ministry of Health.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa stated that junior doctors are currently living in fear due to alleged intimidation, including threats of termination from public service, suspension of salaries, and eviction from official hospital quarters.

He noted that while professionals prefer resolving issues through dialogue, the Health Minister has avoided such engagement. “Professionals want to resolve issues at a professional level through dialogue. They do not want problems to be handled in an underhanded manner.

It is under these circumstances that they applied for the vacancies,” he said.

The GMOA had earlier launched trade union action over several concerns, including alleged irregular transfers. With no resolution reached, the association resumed a token strike from 8:00 a.m. today (05), affecting hospitals across the island.

The ongoing strike has disrupted patient care services, with hospital visitors expressing dissatisfaction over the inconvenience caused.

However, Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa maintained that the transfers were carried out legally and described the GMOA’s strike action as unacceptable.