Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday (9) announced that a scheduled discussion with the Government Medical Officers’ Association would not take place, citing the union’s decision to proceed with strike action despite prior arrangements.

Addressing Parliament, Jayatissa said the decision to cancel the meeting was taken as the GMOA had launched a fresh 48-hour strike, causing inconvenience to patients.

Responding to a question raised by MP Ramanathan Archchuna on the Government’s response to mitigate public disruption, the Minister said the basis of the strike was linked to disagreements over post-internship appointments.

He stated that the GMOA had taken issue with the appointment process, claiming that the preparation of the post-internship transfer list should involve trade union participation. However, Jayatissa maintained that such involvement was not applicable, as these appointments relate to the first placements of doctors following completion of their medical degrees and internships.

“The transfer board’s involvement is not relevant to these appointments, as these are initial placements,” he said, adding that the list had been prepared in accordance with standard procedure.

The Minister also alleged that the GMOA had attempted to discourage doctors from accepting their appointments. However, he said the majority had proceeded with the process.

“Out of 453 doctors, 436 have applied for their appointments. Others include those who do not intend to join State service, while one individual has not completed training requirements,” he said.

Jayatissa noted that the appointment list had already been published and that doctors are expected to report to their new workstations by Saturday. He warned that failure to report for duty would result in the suspension of salaries, in line with established regulations.

“If they fail to report to work, their salaries will be put on hold. This is normal procedure,” he said.

He further described the ongoing strike as “baseless” and politically motivated, rejecting allegations by the GMOA that the Health Ministry had violated previously agreed conditions or politicised the transfer process.

The GMOA, however, has maintained that the publication of the post-internship transfer list breached prior agreements and undermined due process, prompting its decision to escalate trade union action.

Jayatissa said that under the current circumstances, he would not proceed with the planned meeting with the GMOA.

“So there will be no meeting today,” he said.