GMOA on strike today

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) will conduct a countrywide strike today from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to protest the alleged irregular process followed by the Health Ministry in preparing post-internship appointment lists for hospitals.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Nalinda Herath said the strike would be launched in all Government hospitals other than those in flood-affected areas. 

The Government hospitals in affected areas will continue to work as usual, Dr.Herath added.

In addition, the All Ceylon Government Medical Officers’ Association (ACGMOA) has conveyed its support for the GMOA strike. ACGMOA President Dr. Gishantha Dassanayake said they expected to join hands with the GMOA.

Meanwhile, issuing a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday, GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya requested a continuation of the transparent process maintained for years by the Health Ministry and the GMOA in appointing and transferring medical officers to remote areas including Northern and Eastern Provinces. 

In the letter Dr. Padeniya claimed political interference by Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathne in appointments and transfers had created a ‘black mark’ on the country’s health sector which was previously recognised earlier as one of the best in Asia.  

The GMOA has sent copies of the letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, all Cabinet ministers and Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon.