GMOA Intensify Union Action

COLOMBO (News1st): The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has decided to intensify its trade union action starting from 8.00AM today. 

According to the association, in addition to the five trade union measures currently in place, government doctors will also withdraw from specialist cover duties effective today. 

However, newsfirst reporters say that activities at hospitals are continuing as usual.

Prior to this, The Executive Committee of the Government Medical Officers’ Association decided to engage in several measures as part of the trade union action.

Accordingly, officers will continue, To refrain from prescribing medicines that must be purchased externally.

Refrain from recommending laboratory tests at external laboratories.

Refrain from initiating new units within the hospital system without prior approval by doctors.

Refrain from participating in health camps and outreach clinics and withdrawing from services if an assisting officer is not available during patient examination. 

The GMOA launched this union action based on the following key demands:

Establishment of a unique service category titled the "Sri Lanka Medical Service."

Updating the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance.

Resolving transport issues in accordance with Circular 22/99.

Converting the extra duty allowance into a fixed allowance.

Resolving issues regarding the research allowance.

Meanwhile, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) stated that they will not be joining the trade union action. 

Spokesperson for AMS, Specialist Dr. Ashoka Gunaratne stated that the members are performing their duties as usual.