The striking doctors' decision on the next step, after the government's disregard, is this morning (31).

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) states that the 48-hour period given to the Minister of Health to provide solutions regarding their professional demands ended today (31st) at 8.00 AM. The Secretary of the Association, Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, emphasized that due to the lack of a positive solution from the authorities for their problems so far, the trade union action that has already commenced will be continued.

In this regard, the Executive Council of the Association was also scheduled to meet this morning to announce future actions.

Due to this trade union action, which commenced on the morning of the 26th and covered the hospital system island-wide, hospital activities were severely hampered even by yesterday (30th). This was due to doctors withdrawing from five main services, including recommending medicines from external institutions and prescribing external laboratory tests.

Due to the strike, patient care services have been disrupted in several major hospitals, including the Colombo National Hospital, Kalubowila and Kalutara Nagoda General Hospitals, and Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. As a result, patients who came for treatment and clinical services were seen waiting in queues for hours, and some returned home empty-handed without receiving treatment.

Although a 48-hour token strike was carried out on the 23rd previously, doctors have re-entered this professional struggle due to the lack of solutions. Their main demands are the establishment of the Sri Lanka Medical Service, updating the DAT allowance, stabilizing the additional duty allowance, and resolving transport issues. The Government Medical Officers' Association further indicates that if the authorities, including the Minister of Health, do not provide proper solutions, this action will be extended to an indefinite strike.