Government U-turn resolves doctor dispute over allowance

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The government’s abrupt decision to suspend the circular on increasing the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors yesterday sparked concern among health professionals, leading to a threat of an indefinite strike.

However, the government later withdrew the suspension and announced that the allowance would be implemented as promised, prompting the doctors to call off the strike.   
The increment of the DAT allowance from Rs 35,000 to Rs. 70,000 was initially approved by the Cabinet on January 9, 2024. This decision sparked concerns among other health professionals as they too demanded an increment. 

 
However, the Health Ministry announced via a circular last morning (23) that the provision of the approved elevated amount would be suspended on the directive of the Treasury citing that funds have not been allocated. Subsequently, this unexpected turn of events fuelled dissatisfaction among government doctors, leading them to call for an indefinite strike beginning this morning.  

On the heels of the announcement of the indefinite strike by the doctors, the Director General of Health Services issued a written notification, revoking the suspension of the DAT allowance for doctors, which was included in the January salary.