Doctors’ strike continues, OPD services crippled

The island wide strike by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) continued for the second consecutive day today (22) after yesterday’s talks with Health Ministry officials failed.

Out Patient’s Department (OPD) services and clinics in majority of government hospitals were not functioning today as well, resulting in patients being turned away and some standing in queues for hours.

Elderly patients who travelled long distances unaware of the strike were the most inconvenienced, with some leaving hospital premises in tears. Among the hospitals affected was the National Hospital in Colombo.

The GMOA launched a 24-hour strike earlier in five districts over post-internship appointments, transfers and several more demands.

Dr. Prasad Kolambage of the GMOA said they have requested the Health Secretary to give an assurance that there will be transparency in appointments and transfers.

“The strike is mainly against political involvement in appointments and lack of GMOA representation in transfer boards. Lack of transparency will result in rural hospitals losing specialist doctors in future. If we do not get a favourable response from the Minister, we will resort to legal and union action,” he said.

The union said essential and emergency services, child and maternal health services, kidney and cancer treatment will continue despite the strike.

(Pix by Sudath M. Hewa from Hatton)