In response to a strike initiated by 72 health unions in government hospitals, the Ministry of Health has sought assistance from the Ministry of Defense to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of hospitals across the country.
Accordingly, army troops have been deployed to various government hospitals to provide support and maintain essential services.
Under the guidance of Commander of the Army Lt. General Vikum Liyanage, nearly 700 troops have been deployed to 26 government hospitals, including key facilities such as Colombo and Kandy National Hospitals, Kalubowila, Karapitiya, Mahmodara, Peradeniya, Anuradhapura, and Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals.
Additionally, hospitals in Matara, Balangoda, Eheliyagoda, Nawalapitiya, Badulla, Gampola, Meerigama, Homagama, and Kegalle have also received military assistance.
These troops will assist in ensuring the smooth continuation of daily hospital operations during the strike period. Furthermore, the Army Commander has instructed for additional troops to be on standby for deployment in case of any emergencies that may arise.
