Health strike continue, patients inconvenienced

Health sector trade unions continued their strike for the third consecutive day today causing inconvenience to patients arriving at state hospitals. Majority of Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) and clinic patients were turned away due to the absence of nursing and supplementary medicine staff in hospitals. 

Unions decided to continue their strike stating that yesterday’s discussion with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella ended without a solution to their grievances. 

Eighteen health sector unions representing nurses, laboratory technicians, paramedics, public health officers and other supplementary staff are taking part in the strike over a number of issues including solving their salary anomalies.

Co-Convenor of Federation of Health Professionals Saman Ratnapriya said talks with the Health Minister and Secretary to the Ministry failed due to not being able to give assurance on eliminating disparities in the salary scheme structure, similar to teachers. 

He said about 65,000 health workers have joined the present trade union action. However, emergency services will continue and health services in hospitals treating COVID patients, Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children and Castle Street Hospital for Women will not be interrupted due to the strike.

Meanwhile, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said he requested unions to give two weeks’ time as there is a need to discuss their concerns with the cabinet of ministers. 

He said some of the demands cannot be met this year due to the present situation in the country.