Health Workers Extend Strike At Western Province Hospitals

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Joint Council of Supplementary Medical Professionals continues its strike for a second consecutive day across Western Provincial Council hospitals, protesting against what they claim are unjust and arbitrary staff transfers.

Speaking to media, Chanaka Dharmavikrama, the council’s General Secretary, accused the Western Provincial Director of Health Services of implementing transfer decisions unilaterally, without proper consultation or procedure.

Meanwhile, L.A. Kalukapuarachchi, Secretary to the Western Provincial Ministry of Health, stated that the majority of the 797 transfers have already been implemented, with 616 officers having assumed their new roles.

He dismissed the strike as being driven by a small group prioritizing personal interests over professional duty.

Kalukapuarachchi further emphasized that the transfer list was prepared in accordance with proper administrative protocols, and urged striking professionals to return to work to avoid disruption of essential health services