Contradictory statements over Temple Trees talks

By Shamindra Ferdinando

A simmering battle between the health ministry and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) over the recent controversial change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments has taken a new turn with Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa declaring that the final decision on such matters should be taken by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

PM Rajapaksa said so at the end of a meeting at Temple Trees on Tuesday morning (04) attended by Minister Rambukwella and GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.

PM Rajapaksa’s Office yesterday (05) morning quoted him as having told the meeting that the final decision was the prerogative of the Health Minister. According to the statement issued under the hand of PM’s Media Secretary Rohan Weliwita, Minister Rambukwella has told Premier Rajapaksa that the newly introduced system couldn’t be changed. Having ruled out further talks meant to restore the discarded system, Minister Rambukwella has said that he was prepared to discuss issues at hand pertaining to the newly introduced system. The Minister was reacting to the GMOA requesting the restoration of the discarded system.

Minister Rambukwella challenged the GMOA over the latter’s accusations regarding him interfering in administrative decisions.

Yesterday’s press release further quoted Premier Rajapaksa as having said that some issues couldn’t be resolved through discussions.

Top GMOA spokesperson Dr. Samantha Ananda yesterday told The Island that the Premier’s Office called the meeting on a request made by them. The meeting that commenced at 10 am ended close to noon with the health ministry and the GMOA unable to reach consensus on the issue at hand.

Yesterday’s press release issued by the PM’s Office following strong interventions by the health ministry was the third that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting.

On Tuesday, the PM’s Office released two statements also under the hand of Rohan Weliwita.

Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa has asserted that the change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments will cause disputes.

The Premier has advised all stakeholders to reach a consensus whether to retain the same system inclusive of medical transfer boards.

Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday night (4) quoted him as having instructed Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena to settle differences through consultations.

In the first statement, Premier Rajapaksa was quoted as having reproached health ministry officials over the unilateral change of the system. Premier Rajapaksa has told health ministry officials not to pursue political agenda at the expense of the government but to deal with trade unions in terms of the establishment of code.

Among those who had been present at the meeting were health minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. S.H. Munasinghe, Secretary to the National Salaries Commission Chandrani Senaratne, DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena and President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.

Dr. Padeniya has requested the ministry to treat Administrative Medical Officers (Medical Administrative Grade) equally without them being divided into two sections namely Senior Medical Administrative Grade and Junior Medical Administrative Grade. Asked for clarification, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe also of the GMOA said that the GMOA believed the two sections should be combined.

The GMOA has sought the intervention of Premier Rajapaksa after having accused the health ministry of failing to address the grievances of doctors. In a statement issued on Dec 28, 2021, the GMOA explained the difficulties experienced by three categories of doctors in service, namely (1) Grade Medical Officers (2) Specialist Medical Officers and (3) Administrative Medical Officers.

The GMOA resorted to trade union action from Dec 21 to 24 demanding that the government address seven major issues.

The GMOA, in a statement that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting said that the outfit was compelled to strike due to unilateral actions of Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. G. Wijesuriya. According to the GMOA statement issued by its Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando, Premier Rajapaksa has directed DGHS Dr. Gunawardena to restore the abolished system in which transfer boards played a significant role.

The GMOA said that Premier Rajapaksa also directed the DGHS to establish an independent committee that would be tasked to inquire into the irregularities caused by the changes made to the Medical Administrative Grade at the behest of the then health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and his wife, Dr. Sujatha Senaratne. The GMOA used the opportunity to explain how Dr. Seneratne’s unilateral interventions caused problems for the Medical Administrative Grade and resulted in overall deterioration of the services and working conditions.