March 23, Colombo (LNW): The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has expressed strong approval of the 2025 Budget, highlighting its provisions as a constructive step towards resolving concerns over payments for doctors’ additional responsibilities.
Speaking at a briefing yesterday (22), GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr Chamil Wijesinghe stated that the budgetary measures had addressed a pressing issue that had caused widespread anxiety within the healthcare sector.
In recent weeks, speculation had grown over the possibility of cuts to allowances for medical professionals, fuelling discontent and prompting industrial action from several health trade unions.
The uncertainty over financial incentives for extended duties led to mounting pressure on authorities to provide a clear stance. Medical professionals had been demanding assurances that their additional workload would be fairly compensated, with some groups resorting to strikes as negotiations continued.
The GMOA, which played a key role in these discussions, now views the government’s response as a promising resolution that acknowledges the crucial contributions of healthcare workers.
Whilst the specifics of the budgetary adjustments remain under scrutiny, the GMOA has conveyed cautious optimism that the proposed measures will help maintain stability in the sector.
