February 02, Colombo (LNW): The island-wide strike initiated by a coalition of health sector trade unions entered its second consecutive day today (02), with discussions planned to address the ongoing situation later today.
Upul Rohana, President of the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF), stated that a final decision on the continuation of the strike would be determined during the scheduled discussion with trade union representatives.
The health workers collectively resorted to this trade union action due to what they perceive as an inadequate response from the government concerning their demands.
The strike involves a coalition of 72 trade unions from the health sector, who launched a one-day strike on February 01, urging the government to promptly address issues related to allowances.
However, doctors’ unions and the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union opted not to participate in the strike, asserting that the planned action was a government conspiracy.
Tri-force personnel were deployed to state hospitals nationwide in response to the strike, ensuring the continuous provision of essential medical services.
On January 8th, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the doubling of the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance for government doctors, increasing it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.
Subsequently, health sector trade unions representing various professionals, including radiology and laboratory technicians, pharmacists, midwives, dental surgeons, public health inspectors, and entomology officers, engaged in multiple strikes, opposing the decision and demanding an allowance increase for all health sector employees.
On January 23rd, the government temporarily reduced the payment of the DAT allowance for doctors, citing insufficient funds. Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the Director General of Health Services, explained that while arrangements were made for the payment, the Treasury had not provided funds within the approved allocation limit.
This prompted the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to announce an indefinite strike starting January 24th, which was later called off after the decision to suspend DAT allowance payments was reversed.
