Dr. Bellana explains why docs were driven to strike

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Gotabaya Rajapaksa government had encouraged doctors to take loans at eight percent interest two years back, and after the interest rate doubled, most doctors were unable to make ends meet, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, President of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) said yesterday.

Increasing interest rates by 200 percent while increasing taxes drastically was not acceptable, Dr. Bellana said.

Dr. Bellana said that yesterday’s token strike launched by doctors was justifiable.

“Now, most doctors are struggling to pay their loans and lease payments,” he said.

Dr. Bellana said that in the last few months most doctors and health professionals have been struggling to cope up with drug shortages.

“When doctors and other health staff report to work, their main task is now to procure drugs. They are always on the phone pleading with friends to donate drugs. Now with the taxes, they are distracted too. These taxes are unreasonable,” he said.

The GMOF head said that the new tax policy is aimed at ensuring the politicians manage their luxurious lifestyles. The government needs to increase revenue by other means than taxing. Professionals have been pushed to the wall and it’s natural that they are fighting back,” he said.

Dr. Bellana said that he usually opposed trade union action by doctors, but the current action was justified.