GMOA calls on branch unions to streamline COVID-19 steering committees

Thursday, 15 October 2020 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday called on all branch union presidents and members to reconvene and streamline branch-level COVID-19 steering committees in order to take institutional-level decisions.

The internal memo, signed by GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando, stated that the organisation had requested a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to directly communicate to him the current situation regarding COVID-19 in the country. The document added that authorities are currently assessing the risk in order to restrict routine services in healthcare institutions but that the Director General of Health Services had agreed with the GMOA to endorse the decisions at institutional-level COVID-19 steering committees. In the internal memo, the GMOA asked that the welfare of members is considered a prime concern and that all protective measures, like PPE kit availability and quarantine facilities if required, as well as adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities are ensured.

The seven key points highlighted by the GMOA also included continuous communication with regional epidemiologists and other public health officers, like medical officers of health, for risk assessment.

GMOA members can also convey grievances via the GMOA hotline 070 7322 358 or contact the Health Ministry COVID-19 operation room on 011 7966 366.

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