Doctors to launch an islandwide strike

Doctors will launch an island wide state and private sector strike on April 7 ( Friday) in protest against SAITM.

Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr.Navin De Zoysa said discussions are underway with the doctors who do full-time private sector service to halt all private health services as well.

Addressing a press conference at the GMOA headquarters in Colombo he said the strike will continue if the GMOA Executive Committee decides to do so at 4.00 pm meeting on the same day.  Dentists, Ayurvedic doctors, Vet surgeons etc. are set to  take part in the strike. 

According to Dr.Zoysa accident services, maternity hospitals, children’s hospitals, the cancer hospital, Kidney Hosp[ital and dialysis units and places where dengue affected child patients are being treated in the Trincomalee district will not be affected by the strike and all the services will continue. The services will continue in those institutions without any interruption.

“This week will be named as Anti SAITM Week and several political parties and their trade unions too will join in countrywide protests against SAITM,” he said.

The Jathika Hela Urumaya, JVP, Front Line Socialist Party, Joint Opposition are reported to participate. An Anti SAITM walk will commence opposite Colombo National Hospital at 11.00 am on April 7 and the public meeting will take place opposite Fort railway station.