GMOA Calls Decisive Meeting on Strike Action; Specialists Decline Support

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has summoned a crucial meeting to determine the future steps of their ongoing industrial action.

Secretary of GMOA Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, said that a special Executive Council meeting will be convened this morning. 

The committee will decide whether to continue the strike beyond 8:00 AM today.

The strike, which began at 8:00 AM on the 4th of April is being conducted protesting against the current transfer process of the medical personnel.

Despite the trade union action, Dr. Sugathadasa, the secretary of GMOA confirmed that essential services remain operational. 

Accordingly, The strike is not being carried out at hospitals treating Children, Maternal care, Cancer patients, Military personnel, patients with Kidney diseases and institutes for mental well being. 

Commenting on the strike action Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the issue in relation to the medical transfer process has already been solved and that the government is ready provide solutions to the concerns of the medical professionals who are currently involved in the strike action. 

However minister reiterated that given the fact that patients are facing signficant difficulties due to the ongoing strike action, solutions should be sought in a fair and rightful manner without making patients go through severe hardships due to the work stoppage. 

Many who traveled long distances were forced to return home without receiving any medical treatment or consultation.

Meanwhile, the Association of Medical Specialists announced that they will not support the GMOA's strike. 

General Secretary of the Association of Medical Specialists Dr. R. Gnanasekaram confirmed that all specialists will report for duty as usual today to ensure patient care.