GMOA protests Budget 2026 with 5 key TU measures

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that Sri Lanka’s free health system is facing a serious crisis, accusing the 2026 Budget of failing to address long-standing challenges in the sector, including shortages of human resources, medicines, and essential equipment.

In a statement issued following an emergency Central Committee meeting held today (11), the GMOA said the health system has reached a “critical stage,” with hospitals struggling to provide patient care due to a lack of facilities and resources.

The association said it had repeatedly informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, and senior Treasury officials of the urgent need for a sustainable program to strengthen the public health service, but claimed no constructive discussion had taken place.

The GMOA noted that despite government claims of economic recovery and improved fiscal stability, the 2026 Budget had failed to present any clear strategy to safeguard or strengthen the public health system.

“Although large allocations have been made for drugs and medical supplies, there is no concrete plan to ensure the continuous supply of quality medicines,” the statement said. It added that the Budget ignored critical areas such as the digitalization of procurement processes and the establishment of a National Drug Quality Control Laboratory.

The GMOA also criticized the absence of proposals to retain medical professionals within the country or to motivate those remaining in the state service.

“It is a historic mistake to ignore the hardships faced by doctors and professionals who continued to serve during the crisis period,” the association said, warning that growing frustration among medical personnel could worsen the crisis in hospitals.

Following its meeting, the GMOA announced several trade union actions in response to the government’s inaction. These include:

1. *Informing national leaders and the public about how the 2026 Budget ignored the health sector crisis, through engagement with political, religious, and civil organizations.

2. Suspending the issuance of referrals for patients to obtain medicines or laboratory tests from outside hospitals due to shortages.

3. Withdrawing from voluntary participation in health camps or clinics organized by political groups.

4. Halting doctor assignments to newly opened hospital wards or units that lack adequate staffing.

5. Avoiding patient examinations where there are no sufficient facilities or supporting staff to ensure patient safety and privacy.

The GMOA further decided that if the government fails to hold discussions and provide solutions within a week, it will launch district and provincial-level protest campaigns, and intensify its trade union actions thereafter.

“We believe the President must immediately intervene to protect the country’s free health service and ensure patients’ right to life,” the statement concluded. (Newswire)

The post GMOA protests Budget 2026 with 5 key TU measures appeared first on Newswire.