The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned it will launch a nationwide trade union action on Monday (11 Aug) if the Health Ministry fails to resolve issues surrounding what the union describes as unlawful doctor transfer and appointment lists.
The GMOA said the lists, which include annual transfers, post-intern placements, temporary attachments, and appointments to difficult service areas, were issued without proper legal procedures or consultation with transfer boards.
According to the union, nearly 200 hospitals face the risk of closure, and services at others may be affected. More than 500 doctors attended a meeting Thursday at the GMOA headquarters in Colombo, where they expressed unanimous opposition to the lists.
The Health Ministry is reportedly seeking post-approval from provincial and district authorities, but the GMOA criticized this as an attempt to retroactively justify a flawed process.
The union said that if a solution is not provided by 8 a.m. on 11th August, it will begin an islandwide trade union action. It held the Health Ministry responsible for any resulting disruption to healthcare services. (Islandnews)
