Medical laboratory technologists and physiotherapists affiliated with the Supplementary Medical Service launched a strike action starting at 8:00 a.m. today, citing unresolved professional grievances and systemic issues in the health sector.
The strike, organized under the leadership of the Joint Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM), includes professionals from key allied health services.
According to JCPSM General Secretary Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the strike was prompted by five major demands, notably including concerns over promotion anomalies and ongoing injustices faced by health sciences graduates.
Dharmawickrama emphasized that the strike would continue indefinitely unless the government and relevant health authorities initiate immediate and meaningful steps to resolve the outstanding issues.
"The continuous neglect of our concerns has left us with no choice but to take this action. We are committed to seeing this through until fair solutions are presented," he said.
The strike is expected to affect several services in government hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, raising concerns about delays in medical testing and patient care.
Health authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding the demands or the potential impact on the healthcare system.
