Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association over the appointment process for doctors who completed their internships lacks a valid basis for discussion.
Responding to media queries, he said that if there are concerns about the appointment system, the association should pursue legal action rather than resorting to strikes that could endanger patient lives.
The minister urged the GMOA not to escalate the dispute at the expense of the public, emphasizing that any challenge to the legality of internship appointments should be taken before the courts. He stressed that resolving the issue through judicial means is the appropriate course of action.
He also accused the GMOA of attempting to pressure the government while risking the wellbeing of patients.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister reiterated that the deadline for intern doctors to apply for entry into government service ended at 12:00 p.m. on April 4 and would not be extended.
He warned that those who failed to meet the deadline or submitted late applications would not be eligible to work in government hospitals or receive salaries.
The GMOA recently launched an island-wide strike, citing concerns over alleged political interference and irregularities in doctor transfers and post-internship appointments.
