Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana heads Special Committee to address TU demands

A special committee headed by Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala along with representatives of the Health Sector Trade Union (TU) Alliance will look into the demands by the TUs, and the committee is scheduled to meet today at 3pm to further discuss the matter.

The decision to appoint the committee was taken at a special discussion between the Minister of Health and Industry Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and representatives of Health Sector TUs held yesterday (19) at the Ministry of Health.

Following the discussions, the TU representatives were directed to submit a proposal of their demands, to which the Minister pledged to provide a fair solution after studying those proposals.

The TU representatives  said that the current Minister of Health is dealing with this trade union issue from a moderate approach, and they appreciate it very much. They also pointed out that the Minister always listens to professional requests and always try to provide fair solutions.

The Minister of Health emphasized that every profession has the right to seek professional rights, and when trying to win professional rights, the dignity of other professions should be respected. It was also said that the government employees are also in a crisis situation in the face of the current economic crisis and therefore, there is some justification in these demands.

Seventy Two Health Sector TUs went on strike, demanding an allowance similar to the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance granted to Doctors.

The strike was temporarily ended on Thursday (15) when the Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana agreed in writing to discuss the TUs’ demands.

Health Secretary Consultant Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Additional Secretaries Geetamani Karunaratne and Wathsala Priyadarshani, and Chief Financial Officer G.S. Karunaratne also participated in this discussion.

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