It is reported that the health unions have said that they will engage in a symbolic strike of 24 hours from 6.30 am tomorrow (16).
The health unions went on strike demanding that the 35,000 stipend given to the doctors be given to them as well.
President of Medical Services United Front Mr. Upul Rohana said that the Minister of Health has not given any discussion regarding his demands.
“Until today, the Minister of Health has not held a discussion regarding any of these professions. Therefore, we have decided to start a symbolic strike in 24 hours, representing 72 professional associations of general practitioner service, paramedical service, hospital secretaries and administrative officers as well as health administrative assistants and especially health assistants and other staff together with a number of nearly one lakh members. The hospital service is completely collapsing. The government should understand that it is not possible to maintain medical services with only doctors. “
Mr. Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Health Professionals Scholars Association, has stated that if military force is used to suppress the strike, the strike action will have to be carried forward.