GMOA: 20 govt. hospitals already closed down; number could rise to 70

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Media spokesman for the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe disclosed yesterday that about 20 rural hospitals in the country had closed down.In another month or so another 50 rural hospitals will close down, he said.Of late so many doctors, along with other professionals, have been leaving the country in droves as they cannot maintain a certain standard of living they are used to with the current high taxation.

The GMOA yesterday commenced its second round of token strike in hospitals in the Northern Province. OPDs and clinics in all Northern hospitals were affected by the union action.The GMOA commenced its token strike campaign in the Uva Province on Thursday.The GMOA is demanding the government to take immediate steps to solve the health crisis in the country and to create an environment where professionals would not leave the country in droves.