Professionals in Supplementary Medical Service have launched a strike action over several demands, including an allowance of Rs. 35,000.
The strike action was launched at 08.00 am today (Jan 09) and is being staged at government hospitals.
Chairman of the Joint Force of Supplementary Medical Service, Ravi Kumudesh said that laboratory workers, pharmacists, radiologists and other professionals in the said service are participating in the strike action.
He further said taking into consideration the inconveniences caused to patients, the strike will not be held at Kidney, Cancer, maternal, and children’s hospitals.
The strike comes in the backdrop of the Cabinet having approved an increase in the duty interruption, attendance and transport allowance of doctors, which was Rs 35,000, to Rs 70,000.
The Cabinet had also approved an increase of 25% in the study allowance of university teachers.
The President’s proposal to provide that allowance along with the January salary was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (NewsWire)