Health Strike Ends After Two Days, Talks Scheduled for Next Week

COLOMBO (News 1st); A two-day nationwide strike by 72 healthcare professional societies, demanding equal access to a recently introduced allowance, came to an end this morning at 6:30 AM. 

The Health Trade Union Alliance announced the suspension of the strike after receiving written confirmation from the Health Secretary that a meeting to discuss their concerns will be held next Monday.

The strike, which involved thousands of, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare workers, significantly disrupted operations across Sri Lanka's public hospitals. 

Emergency services remained functional, but routine procedures and outpatient consultations were largely postponed.

The strike stemmed from discontent over a new Rs 35,000 monthly allowance granted to doctors by the government. 

Other healthcare professionals argued that they, too, deserved equal consideration and demanded the same allowance.

Ravi Kumudesh, convener of the Health Trade Union Alliance said that the Health Secretary has assured of a discussion next Monday, but warned that if the negotiations fail to address their concerns, they will be forced to resume the strike next Tuesday.