COVID-19 SITUATION CAN GO FROM BAD TO WORSE

● Trade unions warn to continue strike action if satisfactory solutions not provided ● Health services in hospitals hampered

Trade union action launched by several trade unions linked to the health sector yesterday, could worsen COVID-19 related issues in the country, leaving health services in a fix, an official said. Deputy Director-general of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said the vaccination programme had been somewhat hampered due to the trade union action.

“It is really unbecoming of the trade unions to strike work during the pandemic. In a situation like this, the health sector employees should work hand in hand in order to deliver their service to the best of their ability. United we stand, divided we fall,” Dr. Herath underlined.

“When health officials decide to withdraw from work pertaining to COVID-19, it would vehemently affect the country at large. The situation might get worse. Also, it would add to the burden of the health service. Therefore, the Ministry invites those who are engaged in the trade union action to resolve their issues in a systematic manner,” he added.

Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine, Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) and other affiliated trade unions decided to resort to trade union action to convey displeasure over the Government’s decision to heed demands in favour of the Public Services United Nurses’ Union regardless of grievances of other trade unions in the health sector.

Meanwhile, PHIU Secretary M. Balasooriya told Daily Mirror they would not hesitate to continue the strike action unless the authorities concerned gave them redress.

“We urge the authorities concerned to take prompt steps to address demands as they did for other trade unions in the health sector. We have withdrawn from all services related to COVID-19 such as vaccination programme, tracing patients and first contacts, collecting PCR samples, placing and releasing individuals for quarantine. However, our officers will attend to urgent services like when a COVID patient is in a critical condition,” he said. Meanwhile, the patients were highly inconvenienced as out-patient (OP) services and other services in hospitals were partially impeded by the trade union action.