The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has given the Sri Lankan government 48 hours to present a clear, time-bound plan to address long-standing issues affecting doctors and the public health system, warning that failure to act could lead to intensified trade union measures.
In a statement issued Monday, the GMOA said the 2026 Budget failed to provide meaningful solutions to challenges faced by medical professionals and healthcare staff, raising concerns over the future of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system.
The Association noted it had submitted detailed proposals to the President and relevant authorities prior to the budget, but the lack of attention to these submissions contributed to the current crisis.
While some trade union actions have already occurred, the GMOA emphasized that no full-scale hospital strike has been declared. Its primary demand is the announcement of a practical, time-bound action plan to safeguard both the medical profession and the national healthcare system.
The GMOA said it monitored the recent Health Ministry budget committee debate in Parliament, where several sectoral issues were raised. Although the Health Minister proposed solutions, the absence of a defined timeline has created further uncertainty over implementation.
Following an emergency executive committee meeting on Monday, the GMOA unanimously decided to give authorities a 48-hour window to set a clear timeline. If no action is taken, the matter will be discussed at the GMOA central committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 26, where more stringent trade union measures could be considered.
The Association called on the President, the Health Minister, and other officials to intervene urgently and present a time-bound solution package to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system.
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