Paramedical services launch token strike demanding DAT allowance

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.