Thousands of patients left without treatment due to strike

Thousands of patients were left without medical services in state-run hospitals throughout the country due to an ongoing strike. 

The strike has been launched demanding similar allowances announced for Doctors on Monday (8).

The Cabinet of Ministers green-lit the President’s proposal to double the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance for Doctors, raising it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.

On Monday the Cabinet also approved the President’s proposal to pay from January, Rs. 5,000 out of the intended Rs. 10,000 cost of living allowance scheduled to be paid from April as outlined in the 2024 budget for government employees.

In view of the strike majority of the patients who turned up for treatment and clinics were turned away. Dispensing of medicines too were affected. 

Some of the patients had stayed overnight to attend the clinics.

Health Trade Union leader Ravi Kumudesh said they were not opposed to the doctors being given an increase in their allowance but other hospital workers too need an increase due to the high cost of living.

Seen here are crowds that were awaiting medical treatment at the Colombo General Hospital despite the ongoing health workers’ strike action as Doctors carried on their duties. 

Pix by: Eshan Fernando