Health Sector Strikes Are Impossible to Justify - Deputy Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni has strongly criticised the ongoing doctors’ trade union action, stating that only a small fraction of medical officers have joined the strike and that hospital services, particularly ward-level care, are continuing as usual in most institutions.'

Dr. Wijemuni described the strike as deeply unjustifiable, stressing that any form of strike action within the health sector is extremely difficult to defend, given its direct impact on human lives.

He emphasised that preventing such disruptions is not only the responsibility of the government, but also a shared responsibility of professional trade unions.

The Deputy Minister said that a review of the demands put forward by the striking group reveals that they are highly unreasonable, particularly due to the large-scale financial demands being made at a time when the country is still reeling from a recent natural disaster, which occurred just seven to eight weeks ago.

He noted that a significant portion of the government’s financial capacity is currently being directed toward assisting disaster-affected communities, making additional economic demands particularly inappropriate.

Dr. Wijemuni further highlighted that today (23) is a significant day for public sector employees, as one phase of the salary increase announced in the previous national budget comes into effect.

He pointed out that doctors represented by the striking trade union are also beneficiaries of this salary increment, and questioned the fairness of initiating a trade union action related to salary issues on the very day the increase is being implemented.

According to the Deputy Minister, the strike is not driven solely by financial issues. Instead, it is largely rooted in opposition to the formulation of a separate service constitution for specialist doctors.

He explained that updating doctors’ service constitutions is a long-standing administrative requirement, as existing structures have not been revised for an extended period. Both medical professionals and administrative authorities have consistently recognised the need for reform.

Dr. Wijemuni revealed that more than 95 percent of specialist doctors have personally signed requests to the government calling for a separate service constitution, and that committees appointed to study the matter have also recommended the same.

He underscored that the contents of any service constitution involve technical considerations, and assured that a committee will be appointed to address these issues. All trade unions and individuals will be given the opportunity to submit their views, he said.

In addition, he noted that a general service constitution for doctors will also be drafted in the future, allowing for further consultation.

Dr. Wijemuni warned that placing the lives of innocent citizens at risk over a service constitution that has not yet been finalised is unacceptable under any circumstance.

The Deputy Minister suggested that the trade union itself is aware that Friday is not typically a day for prolonged strike action, especially with Saturday and Sunday following, and that the action cannot realistically be sustained beyond 24 hours.

He described the decision to proceed with the strike as disappointing, stating that it is regrettable for what he described as a mature trade union to take such an immature decision.

Dr. Wijemuni further alleged that the trade union action is part of a political project, adding that although this motive is clearly visible, the government has not exercised state power against the union.

He accused the group of using its full strength to inconvenience the public and generate pressure on the government, warning against turning the Ministry of Health into a platform for political bargaining.