By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Despite trade union healthcare workers deciding to suspend the strike action, the two-day strike left patients inconvenienced and brought healthcare services to a standstill.  
The strike, which commenced at 6.30 am on February 13th, also resulted in long queues at nationwide pharmacies owned by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, as medications remain unavailable at government hospital counters.  

The strike action follows unsuccessful discussions with officials from the Finance Ministry regarding the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance, a contentious issue that has sparked prolonged disagreement.  

President of the Federation of Health Professionals, Ravi Kumudesh, cited the DAT allowance as the focal point of the strike, emphasizing the disparity between allowances granted to doctors and other health workers.  

However, the strike will be called off at 6.30 am today(15).  

This decision follows Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana's agreement to engage in a discussion slated for next Monday.