GMOA Calls Off Island-Wide Token Strike After Assurances from Health Minister

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will call off the island-wide token strike that was scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. today (August 25) in all government hospitals.

The decision came after a special discussion held last night (24) with the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and the Health Ministry Secretary. The GMOA stated that a written assurance was provided by the Minister to address their demands.

Earlier, on August 24, the GMOA warned that the strike was being considered due to multiple concerns, including the possible closure of rural hospitals, government pressure on patients to purchase scarce medicines, and the threat to Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system caused by shortages of quality medicines and essential medical equipment.

The GMOA also highlighted that the process of transferring doctors to remote areas has collapsed due to irregular and non-transparent practices within the Ministry of Health.

Speaking to the media, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa confirmed that the union decided to withdraw from the strike following the government’s written assurance to resolve the issues raised.