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| Friday, 12 March 2004 |
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by Chamikara Weerasinghe The doctors' strike called by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) crippled hospital services throughout the country yesterday causing severe hardships to the public. Hospital sources said thousands of patients who turned up for treatment at the Out-Patient-Departments (OPDs) of almost all government hospitals, including Colombo National Hospital and Kalubowila hospital were left stranded due to the absence of doctors and other medical staff. The GMOA struck work demanding that the government implement the Treasury Sub Committee amendments to the salary discrepancies of doctors which followed the resolution of the salary anomalies of health workers. GMOA media spokesman Channa Perera said the Government should take responsibility for the inconveniences faced by the public because of their trade union action. However, he said steps have been taken to maintain emergency services. Meanwhile, Health Minister P. Dayaratne criticised the GMOA strike as being "unfair" with an election around the corner. GMOA officials said they were prepared to withdraw the strike at any time a positive response is received from the Health Ministry to their demands. They said the Ministry of Finance had informed them that it was unable to present their problem to the Cabinet since the Treasury Sub Committee report has not yet been received to make the necessary recommendations regarding solving the salary anomaly. |
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