Government Medical Officers' Association Demands Immediate Revision of Circular Regarding Doctors' Allowances

Strategic Insights -

The Government Medical Officers' Association is calling for an immediate revision of a circular issued by the Ministry of Health, regarding the reduction of doctors' additional duties and holiday allowances. The association's media spokesperson, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, stated that if the revised circular is not issued within a week, industrial action may be taken. The association claims that the current circular contains incorrect calculations and policy violations, and that a new circular was agreed upon during a discussion with the Secretary to the Ministry of Health on April 29. However, the new circular has not yet been issued, and the association fears that the President's decision regarding allowances may not be implemented, leading to a crisis in the health service.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government Medical Officers' Association is demanding an immediate revision of the circular issued by the Ministry of Health regarding doctors' allowances.
  • The current circular contains incorrect calculations and policy violations, as per the association's claims.
  • A new circular was agreed upon during a discussion with the Secretary to the Ministry of Health on April 29, but it has not been issued yet.
  • Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe stated that industrial action may be taken if the revised circular is not issued within a week.
  • The association claims that the President's decision regarding allowances may not be implemented, which could lead to a crisis in the health service.
  • The revised circular is expected to restore the previous status of doctors' allowances, as per the President's agreement after a trade union struggle waged by the Government Medical Officers' Association.
  • The Ministry of Health issued a circular on March 25, and another on April 28, which was criticized by the association for its errors and policy violations.

Statistics:

  • 7 days: the time period given by Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe for revising the circular.
  • 1 week: the time period mentioned in the article for revising the circular.
  • 26: the date of the press conference held by Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe.
  • 25: the date when the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular in accordance with the budget amendment.
  • 28: the date when the Ministry of Health issued a circular containing additional duty allowance values for doctors.
  • 29: the date when the discussion was held with the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and other responsible authorities.
  • 1: the number of President's decision regarding allowances that may not be implemented.

Sources:

  • Sri Lanka Daily Mirror
  • Newsfirst