GMOA Launches Continuous Trade Union Action Over Health Sector Shortcomings

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has launched continuous trade union action from 8.00 a.m. today (January 26), citing serious shortcomings in facilities, staffing, and resources within the state health sector.

GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the action will be carried out under five specific measures, while doctors continue to provide services within existing institutional limitations.

Under the ongoing action, doctors will refrain from issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at hospital clinics or outpatient departments for purchase from external pharmacies. Similarly, doctors will not issue prescriptions or referrals for laboratory tests that cannot be conducted within the hospital system to be carried out at private laboratories or private hospitals.

The GMOA has also decided not to support the establishment of new hospital units if the approved number of doctors has not been provided or officially sanctioned. In addition, the association will withdraw its support from certain clinics and health camps conducted for political purposes.

Dr. Wijesinghe further stated that doctors will withdraw from duties at hospitals, clinics, or outpatient departments if assistant officers required to support patient examinations are not provided.

Addressing concerns about patient care, he stressed that the action does not amount to a complete withdrawal of services. “These five trade union actions are not about stopping work. We will continue to work, but only within an environment where we are able to do so,” he said.

He warned that continued failure to address shortages could result in the collapse of the free healthcare system, placing responsibility squarely on the Ministry of Health and the government. “If the free health service collapses due to a lack of facilities, the Minister of Health, the Ministry, and the government must take responsibility,” he said.

Dr. Wijesinghe also announced that the GMOA Central Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 28, to determine further steps. He cautioned that the current action could be intensified if authorities fail to respond, reiterating that accountability for any disruption to patient care would lie with the health authorities.