The GMOA has responded to the ongoing strike by health sector trade unions. Dr. Haritha Aluthge, the General Secretary of GMOA, made a special statement addressing the demands and actions of the striking unions.
According to Dr. Aluthge, the demand for the waiting interruption and transport allowance (DAT) by secondary-level health sector employees is considered unreasonable, unconstitutional, and illegal.
He claims that the strike by secondary-level employees sets a bad precedent as it demands an allowance not related to their profession and tries to equate themselves with doctors who are the most senior officials in the health service. The constitution (Article 12.1) emphasizes treating equals equally, but there is no provision for treating unequals equally. The salary policy is based on categories, and different allowances are given based on responsibilities, qualifications, and nature of work.
Dr. Aluthge highlighted that a corporal does not get the privileges of a major general, and similar distinctions exist in various fields. He urged the striking unions to understand the importance of maintaining these distinctions.
The GMOA supports reasonable requests and struggles for economic justice within one’s profession. However, the demand for an undeserved allowance is seen as a misguided and illegal request. The strike may have a negative impact on the health sector’s future professional actions, and the GMOA expressed concerns about the potential consequences.
Dr. Aluthge concluded by stating that the GMOA will continue working to the best of its ability and urged the Ministry of Health to issue specific instructions on how doctors should act during the strike.
