Fifteen trade unions in the health service have launched a two-day strike in protest of the Ministry of Health’s silent policy on the demands of non – medical health professionals.
Ravi Kumudesh, convener of the Federation of Health Professionals, said the strike action would be launched on November 24 and 25 and that a continuous strike could be called off if it was not resolved soon.
“It simply came to our notice then. Complete in 48 hours. This is done to open the eyes of the government and the Ministry of Health officials who seem to be suffering from leprosy. But if that doesn’t happen, we move on to the next step. It can often be a strike that continues until demands are met. ”
Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo today, Ravi Kumudesh further stated that despite the two day strike, duties are being carried out at Children’s Hospitals, Cancer Hospitals, Maternity Hospitals and Covid Hospitals. He also said that emergency and life saving services are being provided. He also states that about 50,000 health professionals are contributing to the strike which is being carried out jointly by 15 trade unions.
The professional also alleged that despite a strike that could have been stopped, the public was being unnecessarily harassed by arrogant ministers and incompetent officials. Ravi Kumudesh, the convener of the Federation of Health Professionals, also accused the Health Secretary of playing a role.
The following are the seven basic demands of the non-medical health professionals involved in the strike.
- Immediate correction of salary anomalies of non-medical health professionals,
- Develop a recognized salary scheme for Nursing and Complementary Medical Graduates
- Transforming extreme “health management” into a health administration service, limited to medical administration
- Immediate payment of DAT allowance to health professionals
- Develop a similar policy for additional benefits,
- Immediate issuance of circulars related to staff service status, 5/7 promotions,
- Making the health service a closed service.