The Independent Trade Union Coalition has expressed its support for the strike launched today by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA). The coalition has urged the government to take immediate action to resolve problems in the health sector by starting discussions with all health sector trade unions, department heads, and hospital directors.
In a statement, the coalition said the Ministry of Health has repeatedly failed to address serious issues affecting the healthcare system. It pointed out that there have been many requests to provide essential medicines, medical equipment, and proper hospital facilities, but the Ministry has not held formal discussions or listened to the concerns of medical professionals.
The coalition also alleged that internal investigation units of the Ministry of Health have failed to act on large-scale fraud and corruption at ministerial, departmental, and sectoral levels. It said there has been no visible progress on investigations into complaints submitted by civil groups, political groups, or other organizations. Instead, the Ministry has reportedly taken action against officials who exposed fraud and corruption.
Criticising the leadership of the Ministry, the coalition said that instead of focusing on resolving health sector issues, the Minister has failed to provide effective executive-level leadership, leading to a gradual administrative collapse within the Ministry.
The Independent Trade Union Coalition stressed that the health sector is closely linked to the lives of the entire population and warned that current problems cannot be solved by insulting or blaming striking workers on social media.
The coalition reaffirmed its full support for the ongoing strike and called on the government to begin meaningful and productive discussions with all health sector trade unions to resolve the issues, rather than resorting to slander or insults.
