Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa today said the Government will not proceed with the meeting scheduled for today with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), following the union’s decision to launch a 48-hour strike.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister Jayatissa said he had agreed on Sunday to hold discussions with the GMOA today on other issues, but not on the appointments of newly qualified doctors.

He stressed that the law clearly states that trade unions have no role in decisions related to the appointments of newly qualified doctors who have completed their internship training.

However, the Minister acknowledged that trade unions do have a role when it comes to mid-career transfers, noting that such matters are traditionally discussed with unions. He said the current issue, however, concerns new appointments and not transfers, and therefore does not fall within the GMOA’s scope.

Minister Jayatissa further said the Government decided not to proceed with the meeting after the GMOA declared what he described as an “unfair” 48-hour strike over the matter.

He also noted that 96% of newly qualified doctors had rejected the GMOA’s directive and joined the service.

The Minister urged the new doctors to continue reporting to work without fear, assuring that police protection and public support would be provided if necessary.

He added that the Government is prepared to face any situation arising from the strike. (Newswire)

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