GMOA says strike successful Lifesaving services unaffected

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Medical professionals had taken steps to ensure that patients’ lives were not threatened during their 24-hour token strike yesterday, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said.

Dr. Aluthge said the strike was a success.

“While those who are working in emergency services and other specialized sectors were on duty, others had withdrawn from duties in support of the nationwide protests, organized by trade unions. Not only the doctors but all health sector unions joined the strike, and this shows that our demands are universally accepted,” he said.

Trade unions, representing government, semi-government and private sector employees, called for a 24-hour strike, on 08 February, against the new tax revisions and shortage of medical supplies in the country.

Dr. Aluthge said that the new tax policy has adversely affected most professionals and a significant number of doctors and trained nurses will leave the country in the coming months. Already about 1,000 doctors have left the country, due to the crisis created by the rulers, he said.

“When health sector unions strike, they take steps to ensure that the lives of patients are not endangered. There will, of course, be inconveniences. However, the lives of patients are already in danger because of the drug shortages. Health sector unions have been trying to convince the government to do something about the shortages. The GMOA has spoken to everyone in the hierarchy but our pleas have been ignored,” he said.