12 January 2024 11:47 am Views - 1201
Recent days had witnessed disruptions in healthcare operations due to strikes initiated by paramedical and supplementary health services unions.
The discord emerged from the government's decision to increase the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors by Rs. 35,000, bringing it to Rs. 70,000.
The sequence of strikes commenced with a 24-hour protest led by professionals in the supplementary medical services on Tuesday (Jan.09), followed by a 48-hour strike organized by unions affiliated to the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF) on Wednesday (Jan.10).
Various groups supported the Paramedical Services' strike, including the Public Health Inspectors' Union (PHIU), the Association of Sri Lanka Ophthalmologists, the Family Health Services Union, the Government Nursing Officers' Association and several other trade unions. Besides, hospital secretaries, administrative officers and healthcare assistants participated in a one-day token strike starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday (Jan.11).
In light of the strike action, the Sri Lanka Army deployed their troops at hospitals in order to ensure the smooth operations of healthcare services.
As of this morning, the health sector trade unions have decided to conclude their trade union actions, allowing the return of normalcy in hospital services.