Doctors vs. Govt: Patients become pawns on a chessboard View(s):By Sajeniya SathanandanThe conflict between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Ministry of Health is taking an unbearable toll on vulnerable patients. Patients were then directed to the pharmacy to collect their medicine without consulting a doctor. Last week and this week, Mr Chamara went to the hospital, but he returned home exhausted after failing to see a doctor. “Out of a group of 453 doctors, 436 ignored the GMOA’s directives and applied for their appointments by 4 April.’’New doctors have been assured of police protection and public support to report to work. GMOA could have sought a court order instead of striking and taking people hostage, the minister said.

Source: Sunday Times April 11, 2026 07:04 UTC