Nationwide token strike from Nov.2: GMOA

A series of 24 hour strikes will take place at provincial level hospitals starting from tomorrow(02), concerning the unresolved issues in the healthcare sector, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said. 

GMOA's Dr. Haritha Aluthge said trade union action will not impact operations at Tri-forces Hospitals, Maternity, Cancer, Children’s or Nephrology Hospitals. Strikes are scheduled to start at 8:00 am and last until 8:00 am the following day. 

Tomorrow all Medical Officers at all state hospitals located in Uva Province will go on strike. Similarly, Medical Officers in the Northern, North-western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces have planned token strikes for November 3, 6 and 7 respectively. 

Hospitals in Central and Eastern Provinces are anticipated to see token strikes on November 8. 

On November 9, Medical Officers from the Southern and North-central Provinces will join the series of token strikes while Medical Officers from the Western Province will act correspondingly on November 10. 

The GMOA further stated that the Government should be held accountable for the hardships that the patients have endured in view of these token strikes.

In addition to the token strikes, protests are also scheduled to take place in each Province on the said days.

The GMOA also warns that a nationwide blockade will take place if the Government continued to not give heed to their concerns.