Doctors' union to protest tomorrow over pay and vacancies

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has decided to hold a protest tomorrow, November 10, in front of the Colombo National Hospital, pressing demands that remain unresolved.

The main demands are resolving issues relating to doctors' salaries and allowances, filling vacancies and scientifically reviewing the approved cadre numbers.

The union said the cancellation of doctors' tax-concession vehicle import permits following the 2022 economic crisis, and increased taxes, have placed an additional financial burden on doctors. Under the 2025 public service salary revision, about a third of overtime and holiday allowances was also suspended, it added.

Fewer than 25,000 doctors currently serve under the Ministry of Health, the union pointed out, and the approved cadre of the health sector has not been scientifically reviewed since 2015.

Meanwhile, development officers also took part today in a nationwide sick-leave protest against the failure to resolve their demands.