Healthcare services across the nation have ground to a standstill, leaving patients stranded, as trade unions within the health sector persist with an island-wide strike, causing widespread inconvenience and long queues at pharmacies.
The paralysis of healthcare services, initiated by trade unions in the health sector, has left patients grappling with the absence of medical assistance. With pharmacies owned by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation witnessing lengthy queues, patients are left without access to essential medications dispensed from government hospital counters.
The strike, which commenced at 6:30 a.m. yesterday, stems from failed negotiations with officials from the Finance Ministry. The focal point of contention revolves around the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance, as highlighted by Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Federation of Health Professionals.
Health workers have resorted to three trade union actions this year alone, protesting the absence of an allowance similar to the DAT allowance granted to doctors. Despite repeated pleas, negotiations have failed to yield a resolution, prompting the current wave of strike action.
In a bid to mitigate the impact of the strike, the Sri Lanka Army has deployed troops to government hospitals, aiming to provide support for operational activities.
