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COVID-19 situation can go from bad to worse due to ongoing trade union action
The trade union action launched by several trade unions linked to health sector today, could make things related to COVID-19 worse in the country leaving health services in a fix, the Health authorities pointed out.
Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr Hemantha Herath said the vaccination programme had been somewhat hampered due to the trade union action.
“It is really unfair to carry out trade union action at this point of time while the whole country is battling to overcome this critical situation. In such a situation, the Health officials should work hand in hand in order to deliver the service to the utmost best. United we stand, divided we fall,” Dr Herath underlined.
“When health officials decided to withdraw from services pertaining to COVID-19, it would vehemently affect the country at large. The situation might get worse. Also, it would add more burden to the health service. Therefore, the Ministry invites those who are engaged in the trade union to resolve their issues in more systematic manner,” he added.
Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine, Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) and other affiliated trade unions decided to resort to trade union action to show displeasure over the Government’ decision to fulfil demands in favour of Public Services United Nurses Union ignoring other 14 affiliated trade unions.
Meanwhile, PHIU Secretary M. Balasooriya told Daily Mirror they would not hesitate to continue the strike action if the authorities fail to mete their grievances.
“Thus, we urge the authorities to take prompt steps to mete our demands as they did for other trade unions,
“We have withdrawn from all services related to COVID-19 such as vaccination programme, tracing patients and first contacts, collecting PCR samples, placing and releasing individuals for quarantine,
However, our officers will attend to urgent services like when a COVID patient is under critical condition.
Meanwhile, the patients were highly inconvenienced as out-patient (OP) services and other services in hospitals were partially impeded by the trade union action. (Sheain Fernandopulle)
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