Issuing a statement the GMOA said the decision was arrived at owing to a dispute pertaining to officials amending the post intern vacancy list compiled by the Ministry of Health.To protest against this decision the Government Medical Officers Association will engage in an island wide strike today morning(31) .
The Association alleged that the post intern vacancy list prepared by the Health Ministry, in consensus with the heads of institutions and the GMOA has been unilaterally altered by the Director due to political interference.
The move is without precedence and believes it’s a prelude for future political interference towards doctors’ transfer and appointments.
The Association noted , it has exhausted all avenues of negotiations claiming the subject Minister’s attitude towards the issue has compelled the GMOA to declare a token strike.
However the GMOA said the trade union action will not be in effect in areas affected by floods and landslide including the Colombo, Gampaha and Kegalle districts.In addition those engaged in emergency services at children’s, maternity, cancer hospitals and renal units will also be excluded from trade union action.
The Health Services Director General, Dr. Palitha Maheepala refuted the allegation and said the Subject Minister did not influence or interfere in the compilation of the post intern vacancy list.
However, he said concerns have been raised pertaining to several issues in relation to the post intern vacancy list. He added the Minister has only requested to consider re-opening 39 hospitals.
