The Government Medical Officers Association has intensified its ongoing trade union action from 8.00 am today (02), citing the government’s failure to provide a positive response to a series of long-standing demands made by doctors. The escalation marks a significant turning point in the dispute, raising concerns over mounting pressure on the public health system.
At the center of the protest are financial demands that doctors say have become unavoidable amid rising inflation. Chief among them is the call to revise the Disturbance, Availability and Transport allowance in line with current economic realities. Doctors are also demanding that the Rs. 10,000 allowance granted to government employees be incorporated into their basic salary, along with revisions to the method used to calculate overtime payments.
Beyond pay-related issues, the GMOA is protesting what it describes as the improper implementation of medical transfer procedures and the acute shortage of essential medicines in hospitals. According to the association, these administrative and supply failures are directly undermining patient care and placing an unsustainable burden on medical staff.
As part of the intensified action, doctors have begun implementing a series of professional restrictions across hospitals. Medical officers are refraining from issuing prescriptions for medicines, medical equipment, and laboratory tests that are not available within hospital facilities. They have also withdrawn from examining patients in settings that lack adequate facilities or support staff, citing concerns over patient safety and privacy.
Specialist doctors affiliated with the GMOA have further decided to stop covering services in hospitals other than the institutions to which they are officially attached. In addition, the association has moved to prevent doctors from being assigned to newly opened wards without sufficient staffing and has announced a voluntary withdrawal from medical camps organized by political groups.
Responding to the developments, the Ministry of Health said it is engaged in discussions with the Treasury regarding the financial allowances requested by doctors. The government has acknowledged the demands but pointed to practical difficulties in allocating substantial additional funds under the current economic conditions.
Authorities insist that steps are being taken to prevent a breakdown of patient care services. Hospital directors have been instructed to maintain essential services, while the government has reiterated its call for dialogue, urging doctors to resolve the dispute through further discussions rather than prolonged industrial action.
