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The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to intensify its ongoing trade union action, further disrupting public healthcare services and leaving thousands of patients struggling to receive treatment.
Although the action does not amount to a complete work stoppage, hospital services—particularly outpatient departments—have been severely affected. Patients are facing difficulties in obtaining medical consultations, prescriptions, and essential medicines.
The Daily Mirror observed that many members of the public, especially the elderly, children, and low-income families, were forced to return home without receiving treatment after visiting hospitals.
As part of the escalated action, GMOA Secretary Dr Prabath Sugathadasa stated that specialist doctors will now refrain from providing cover for other hospitals, a move expected to worsen the situation further.
The GMOA had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to address its demands. The deadline expired at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday (31), with no resolution reached.
The current strike action began on Monday (26), when doctors stopped issuing prescriptions for medicines that are unavailable at hospital outpatient departments. As a result, patients have been compelled to purchase medicines from private pharmacies at their own expense.
