Health workers strike enters eighth day; patients curse TU leaders

14 February 2022 08:54 am Views - 872

Despite Govt. Nursing Officers' Association withdrew from ongoing strike by health workers, 17 other trade union continue the action for the eighth consecutive day.

The GNOA decided to temporarily call off Trade Union (TU) action over the weekend due to the enjoining order issued by the Colombo District Court recently.

However, healthcare services across the country have been hampered causing hindrance to patients.

Patients who visited hospitals seeking medical treatment started cursing those involved in TU action as they were turned away.

As a result of the strike, clinics, dispensaries, lab tests, COVID-19 test came to a standstill at government hospitals.

However, the strike does not hamper services at Cancer, women's and Children's hospitals and the Central Blood Bank.

The discussions held between the representatives of trade unions and Health Ministry officials have also ended in stalemate.

The Government health workers resorted to an indefinite trade union action from 7.00 am on Monday (7) over the government's failure to address their seven grievances. (Sheain Fernandopulle)