Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Medical services across Sri Lanka were disrupted today (31) as doctors launched a nationwide token strike starting at 8.00 a.m., raising concerns over recent transfer decisions made by the Health Ministry.
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) stated that the 2026 transfer lists—including post-intern placements and assignments to difficult service areas—had been issued without proper approval from the relevant transfer board and outside established procedures.
According to the union, the number of designated difficult service stations had been reduced significantly, from 393 to 265, without clear justification or consultation. It warned that such changes could further strain already understaffed rural hospitals.
The GMOA also raised concerns over changes to transfer eligibility rules, noting that the minimum service period required for doctors in difficult areas had been extended from one year to two years. The association argued that this decision was made without adequate discussion and could place additional pressure on those serving in remote locations.
Additionally, the union highlighted that approved doctor cadre positions have not been properly updated for nearly a decade, contributing to ongoing staff shortages across the country’s healthcare system.
Further criticism was directed at the allocation of a significant number of doctors to the “Arogya” project without clearance from the Management Services Commission, despite existing shortages in hospitals.
The GMOA cautioned that these issues could lead to continued disruptions in healthcare delivery and increased inconvenience for patients, calling for urgent action to address the situation.
