GMOA to launch series of protests against ‘biased’ disciplinary inquiry
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has announced plans to initiate a series of protests tomorrow in response to what it said was a biased and unjust disciplinary inquiry against one of its members.
In a statement, the GMOA said that the Health Ministry launched a disciplinary inquiry against its Assistant Secretary Dr. Palitha Rajapaksha, affiliated with the Badulla Teaching Hospital.
According to the GMOA, Dr. Rajapaksha, in his capacity as a trade union leader, exposed the truth about the critical drug shortage at the Badulla Hospital in 2022.
The GMOA expressed concern over the Health Ministry Secretary’s decision to launch a partial and unfair disciplinary inquiry into Dr. Rajapaksha’s conduct.
The association said that as a trade union leader, Dr. Rajapaksa brought to light obstacles in performing his duties, exposing several issues within the health sector.
However, the concerned medical professional’s actions have been portrayed as serious wrongdoings and have been cited as a violation of the establishment code, the GMOA said.
The GMOA further criticized the inquiry, alleging that it has been biased and problematic since its inception. Despite repeated complaints to higher authorities and government officials, their concerns have been ignored. These developments have raised suspicions of political influence in the inquiry, according to the GMOA.
During a recent meeting, the GMOA resolved to take trade union action in support of Dr. Rajapaksha, demanding the protection of trade union rights.
Consequently, GMOA members will engage in protests at hospitals across all districts, warning the government of further trade union action if their demands are not met.
2024-09-02
