The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a strike will be launched at 8.00 am tomorrow (4) once again, over unfair transfers.

The GMOA has staged token strikes in the last few days over several demands, including unfair transfers related to post‑internship doctors.

The association also challenged Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to a debate on any local media channel if he refuses to engage in discussions with the GMOA regarding their concerns.

Addressing the media, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said post‑internship doctors will not apply for public service appointments before 12.00 noon on Saturday (04), as ordered by the Health Minister.

He stated that post‑internship doctors were being threatened by various parties and that the Health Minister had urged them to file complaints. Sugathadasa added that the first complaint should be filed against Minister Jayatissa himself, as he, in his capacity as Health Minister, had threatened doctors over their public service appointments.

The GMOA has instructed post‑internship doctors not to apply for what it described as corrupt and wrongful public service appointments, highlighting difficulties and issues in rural hospitals.

“You are allergic to discussions. We are ready for a discussion to solve these issues. If you do not want to engage in discussions with us, we will give you another opportunity. We would like an open debate with the government, and you as the Health Minister, on any media platform,” he said.

Sugathadasa’s remarks came in response to Minister Jayatissa’s recent statement that post‑internship doctors who fail to apply for public service appointments before 12.00 noon on Saturday (04) will not be recruited into the public service and will lose their current positions and salaries.

The Minister noted that doctors who miss the deadline may only be considered in a future intake, following approval by the Public Service Commission. He said such applicants would be placed at the bottom of the list, below the next batch of around 1,300 applicants.

Minister Jayatissa made the statement in connection with the strike launched by the GMOA over several demands, including transfers. (Newswire)

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