GMOA Temporarily Calls Off Island-Wide Strike Following Talks with Health Ministry

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to temporarily suspend its planned island-wide strike following late-night discussions with the Ministry of Health and key officials, reaching an interim agreement on the controversial transfer issue.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that it has temporarily halted the nationwide strike that was scheduled to begin at 8.00 a.m. today, after holding successful discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Director General of Health Services, and senior ministry officials.

According to a statement issued by the GMOA, the decision was made during a special meeting held on October 30, where the Health Ministry agreed to suspend the disputed doctor transfer process that had been initiated outside the accepted administrative procedures.

It was further agreed that all transfers would now be implemented according to the standard methodology and within a clearly defined timeframe.

The GMOA stated that these understandings will be reviewed and confirmed at a special meeting of administrative doctors scheduled for later today. Until then, the association’s Executive Council has decided to extend the suspension of the strike until 12 noon, pending written confirmation of the agreements reached.

However, the GMOA cautioned that if the Health Ministry fails to honour the agreed terms, it reserves the right to resume the strike without prior notice.