GMOA vows to thwart attempts to privatise healthcare sector

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) yesterday warned that it would resort to trade union action if the government took steps to privatise the healthcare system.

GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal Fernando told The Island that they would join forces with all health sector unions to thwart attempts to undermine the country’s universal healthcare system that had won worldwide praise.

Dr. Fernanda said that last year or so, the government had avoided addressing the medical shortages despite repeated warnings by health sector unions. It had also reduced the salaries of the most vulnerable sections of the health staff, he said.

“The government is deliberately undermining the healthcare system and is trying to privatise it.”

The GMOA had held a Central Committee meeting on recent developments, he said.