Docs resume trade union action
Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday that the government was prepared to face any situation arising from the ongoing strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
Addressing the House, the Minister announced that the government would not proceed with a meeting scheduled for April 9 with the GMOA, following the union’s decision to launch a 48-hour strike. He said he had earlier agreed to hold discussions on other matters, but not on the appointments of newly qualified doctors.
Jayatissa stressed that trade unions had no role in decisions related to the appointment of doctors who have completed their internship training, noting that such authority rested solely with the relevant institutions. He acknowledged that unions were typically consulted on mid-career transfers, but the current dispute concerned first appointments, which were the GMOA’s scope.
Describing the strike as “unjustified” and “unfair,” the Minister alleged that it was being driven by a small group with political motives. He also claimed that attempts had been made to intimidate doctors in Colombo against accepting their appointments.
According to the Minister, 96% of newly qualified doctors had rejected the GMOA’s directive and reported for duty. Of 453 eligible doctors, 436 had applied by April 4 to accept appointments, while most of the remainder had not completed internship requirements.
He urged newly appointed medical officers to continue reporting to work without fear, assuring them of police protection if necessary.
Jayatissa further said that any concerns regarding alleged irregularities in appointments should be addressed through legal channels, adding that the judiciary is the appropriate forum for such disputes.The GMOA has launched a 48-hour strike in protest against the minister’s action.
By Saman Indrajith
