Lankan doctors' go on token strike over faulty transfer, appointment policies

Two unions representing doctors in Sri Lanka have said that it is observing a strike today in protest against the the transfer of doctors in complete violation of the existing medical transfer policy.

The island wide strike began at 8 a.m. and lasted till noon in state hospitals in all districts except Colombo, Gampaha and Kegalle districts which were affected by floods and landslides, reports the Colombo Page web site.

GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Samantha Ananda was quoted, as saying that the children, maternity, cancer hospitals and renal units were excluded from the trade union action while emergency units will be maintained as usual.

Issuing a statement, the doctors' union said they reached the decision due to the political interference in the appointment and transfer of doctors.

The GMOA said the discussions with the subject minister to resolve the issue were not successful and hence decided to take trade union action.

They also called for the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and requested the President to appoint a suitable person in his place.

The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Palitha Mahipala, dismissed the allegations levelled by the association.