Ten health sector unions launch two-day strike

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Initiatives to combat dengue and measles were hampered when 10 health sector unions, including the Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), launched a two day token strike yesterday (10) demanding that they, too, be given a Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance amounting to Rs. 35,000 per month.

The 10 unions are affiliated with the Paramedical Services Front (PMSF) which has about 25,000 members.

Executive committee member of the PHIU Roshan Kumara told The Island that all government workers needed assistance.

“However, the government has decided to assist a group of professionals,” he said.

President of the Government Midwifery Service Association Devika Kodithuwakku said their union, too, was on strike but the activities of De Soysa Maternity Hospital, Castle Street Hospital for Women and Kethumathi Women’s Hospital Panadura would not be affected by the trade union action.

President of the Joint Council for Professions of Supplementary Medicine Ravi Kumudesh said that during the current week, health sector unions would try to demonstrate the repercussions of the government’s uneven treatment for health sector professionals.

“I would like to ask the Health Minister whether the health sector can be maintained by members of one profession. Please look into our concern or we will go for a general strike,” he said.

On Monday, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to increase the DAT allowance of doctors to 70,000 rupees, an increase of 35,000 rupees.