The strike action launched by Supplementary Medical Professionals earlier today, will continue for the second day tomorrow (06), the Joint Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM) has announced.
General Secretary of the JCPSM Chanaka Dharmawickrama stated that the strike commenced at 8.00 a.m today (05) based on five key demands, including problems that have arisen in the recruitment of allied health degree holders and issues related to promotions.
Chanaka Dharmawickrama also stated that five professions belonging to the Supplementary Medical Service, including medical laboratory services, pharmacy sectors, and others, were part of the strike.
However, union members attached to the Maharagama Cancer Hospital, Maternity and Children’s Hospitals, Kidney Hospitals, and the Central Blood Bank (CBB), will not be involved in the strike.
The strike will also not impact emergency and essential treatment services in hospitals, according to the union.
Nevertheless, patients experienced significant inconvenience due to the strike today, according to Ada Derana reporters across the country.
On May 27, medical laboratory technologists and physiotherapists launched a token strike over issues concerning recruitment and promotions of allied health graduates.
The general public was also inconvenienced on that day due to the strike.
The previous strike was temporarily called off based on a promise that a discussion would be held with the Minister of Health, who was abroad at the time, upon his return to the country.
However, as Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has yet to hold the promised discussion, the Joint Council stated that it launched a token strike today.
Commenting on the matter, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the strike is launched with political motives and the government will not allow any faction to cripple the health system.
He said, “This is purely an act with political motives. If they continue to play games like this and attempt to disrupt our health system, we are not prepared to have discussions with such individuals.”
The Health Minister noted that he will hold discussions only once the union members return to duty.
He said, “This is not a game. Every week or two, they keep starting 24-hour or 48-hour strikes. We are ready to face this. Please return to work. Once you return to work, we are prepared to engage in discussions.”
