The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will launch an island-wide strike beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (31), in protest against what it describes as the continued neglect and oppression of medical professionals by the Ministry of Health.
Speaking to the media, GMOA spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that doctors at all government hospitals across the country will participate in the trade union action.
“All daily medical treatment services will be disrupted tomorrow,” Dr. Wijesinghe confirmed, warning that the strike would affect outpatient and routine clinical services nationwide.
He, however, noted that the association remains open to reconsidering the strike if health authorities provide a reasonable and satisfactory solution before it begins.
Explaining the reasons behind the decision, Dr. Wijesinghe highlighted a series of long-standing issues plaguing the country’s health system.
“There is a severe shortage of doctors and numerous staff-related problems,” he said. “The situation is worsening with shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and inadequate facilities for patients.”
The GMOA spokesperson further accused the Ministry of Health of failing to address these critical concerns and instead “continuing to oppress doctors.”
The association emphasized that the strike is being carried out reluctantly but out of necessity, given the deteriorating state of the public health system and the government’s lack of response to repeated appeals for reform.
Essential and emergency services are, however, expected to operate as usual during the strike, according to initial reports.
