The Joint Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM) launched an islandwide strike today, citing the government’s continued failure to address long-standing issues affecting paramedical professionals and the broader healthcare sector.
JCPSM Chairperson Ravi Kumudesh said the decision to strike was made after repeated attempts to initiate dialogue with the Ministry of Health were ignored. He accused Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa of avoiding discussions on key demands, including overdue promotions and structural reforms for paramedical staff.
“This is not a sudden decision,” Kumudesh told the media on Wednesday. “We have made continuous efforts to resolve these matters through dialogue, but the Minister has consistently failed to respond. No concrete action has been taken on promises that were made months ago.”
The strike is expected to disrupt services across government hospitals, especially in areas involving laboratory technicians, radiographers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals. Emergency services, however, are to remain operational, according to union sources.
Among the JCPSM’s primary demands are fair promotion schemes for supplementary medical service personnel, improved working conditions, and recognition of their role within the healthcare system.
“We are not demanding luxuries. We are asking for what has been promised. A fair and dignified treatment of professionals who are vital to the healthcare system,” Kumudesh added.
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