GMOA accuses Health Ministry of a crusade against docs

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday said the Health Ministry was conducting investigations against doctors based on anonymous petitions received by them.

GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Naveen de Soyza told a news conference that a disciplinary inquiry had been conducted recently into the actions of the acting director of the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital based on information gathered as a result of an anonymous petition.“it is unjustifiable. These anonymous petitions are basically sent by the Health Ministry in an attempt to gain favour from parties having personal agendas.

They are trying to disrupt the work of doctors to achieve their motives,” he said.

We will take stern action against such officials in future if they continue to disrupt the work of doctors based on anonymous petitions

He said officials who were involved in these investigations were trying to obtain more overtime (OT) and transport allowances by travelling to remote areas.

“We will take stern action against such officials in future if they continue to disrupt the work of doctors based on anonymous petitions.

The GMOA will not support any sort of investigation based on anonymous petitions. We will keep President Sirisena updated on the actions of these persons who are attempting to embarrass the government with their unwarranted actions,” he added.

He said there was proper procedure which should be followed in taking disciplinary action against a state officer and added that the tradition was to conduct investigations based on complaints made by a specific person.