The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has temporarily called off the island-wide strike that was scheduled to begin at 8.00 a.m. today (31).

In a statement, the GMOA said the decision was made following a special discussion held last night (30) between Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Director General of Health Services, and GMOA representatives.

During the discussion, it was agreed to suspend the arbitrary doctor transfers that the Ministry of Health had attempted to implement in violation of established procedures, and instead carry out the transfers within a specified time frame following the accepted methodology.

The GMOA noted that these agreements would be formally confirmed during a special meeting with the administrative doctors of the Health Ministry scheduled for today.

Accordingly, the GMOA’s Executive Council has decided to extend the suspension of the strike until 12 noon today, pending written confirmation of the agreements reached.

However, the GMOA warned that if the Ministry fails to honour the agreements, the strike action will resume immediately.