Trade unions affiliated to the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF) launched a token strike today (10) demanding the government to provide the increased Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance to paramedical and supplementary services.
The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) and six other trade unions joined the 48-hour strike, which started at 8:00 a.m.
While welcoming the Cabinet’s decision to raise doctors’ Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) subsidies from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000. PMSF President Upul Rohana pointed out that when providing “economic justice” to health professionals, the said decision did not take paramedical service providers into account.
Mr. Rohana further mentioned that they will continue to strike if the government fails to give heed to their issue.
Hospitals treating children, cancer patients, maternity and nephrology hospitals, the National Blood Centre, and National Institute of Mental Health will continue to function despite the ongoing token strike.
Professionals in the Supplementary Medical Service also participated in a 24-hour token strike on Tuesday in opposition to the government’s decision to deny their DAT allowance. Yesterday’s strike by laboratory technologists, radiologists and other supplementary staff affected daily operation in state hospitals. Those arriving for clinics and OPDs were inconvenienced due to the absence of services.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to increase the DAT allowance for government doctors from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.
The Government today tabled in the House the Report of the Commission to Inquiry into the Establishment and Maintenance of Unlawful Places of Detention and Torture Chambers in the Batalanda Housing Scheme.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today he wholly rejects the Batalanda Commission report and that it was appointed wholly with the intention slinging political mud at him.
Leader of the National People’s Party (NPP) and one time Propaganda Secretary of the JVP Wimal Weerawansa accused the Government of bringing back the “Batalanda Commission” for a media spectacle instead of a genuine concern for those who suffered during the 1988-1990 period.
Speaker (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne to announced to the Parliament regarding the vacant seat created in Parliament due to the resignation of Mohamed Sali Naleem from his position as a Member of Parliament.
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