GMOA and Health Minister reconcile, ending the strike

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has decided to temporarily suspend the trade union action, which was launched focusing on several key demands including the suspension of politically motivated medical transfers, from 8.00 AM today (06).

Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers' Association, confirmed to the media that the official opportunity to directly discuss their demands with the Minister of Health and seek solutions was the basis for temporarily halting this strike. The medical association had issued an open challenge to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to practically demonstrate and implement his alleged statement that health professionals would be removed from service.

Dr. Sugathadasa, the Secretary of the association, who had stated that there was a contradiction between the Minister's statements and actions, had also warned him not to join the list of Health Ministers who became 'black characters' by making wrong decisions and falling into the dustbin of history. Furthermore, the association had invited the Minister to come for an open dialogue, free from frenzy, and the Minister responded to it. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is scheduled to travel abroad today, and after his return to the island, this special discussion regarding the doctors' issues is planned to be held next Thursday.