GMOA Launches Island-wide Symbolic Strike Over Transfer Disputes

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has commenced a 24-hour island-wide symbolic strike protesting against the transfer process of the current medical officers. 

The strike began at 8:00 AM today and is scheduled to continue until 8:00 AM tomorrow.

Assistant Secretary Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya said that a major crisis has emerged concerning post-intern placements and the classification of difficult service stations. He argued that these lists have been manipulated by political interests, leading to significant unfairness toward doctors and ultimate hardship for the public.

He further claimed that due to this political interference and growing frustration among medical professionals, nearly 130 difficult service stations were illegally and unilaterally removed from the official records overnight.

The strike has reportedly caused significant inconvenience to patients across the country.

Responding to the trade union action, Minister of Health and Cabinet Spokesperson, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, said that the government would not back down.

Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that no illegal transfers have occurred, noting that the government is currently facilitating a formal annual transfer process for approximately 6,000 doctors by May 10th which is a level of systematic administration not seen in 13 years.

He criticized the previous lack of oversight, pointing out that some association members remained at the same stations for over a decade, and affirmed that the government is now ending such irregularities.

Furthermore Cabinet Spokesperson condemned the strike as inhumane and unlawful, particularly given the current global economic hardships and the fact that the country is still recovering from the Ditwah.

Questioning the ethics of such industrial action during a time of crisis, he emphasized that the government remains firm in its stance and encouraged doctors to continue working, assuring them that those who do will receive their full pay and allowances.