'Don't put patients' lives in danger'

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday called upon the nurses to suspend their strike action and resort to dialogue to settle pending issues without putting patients' lives in danger.

Three nurses trade unions, Government Nursing Officers Association, All Ceylon Nurses Association and Government Family Health Services Officers Association are on strike since Thursday over a tussle with midwives.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) have thrown their weight behind the midwives, further aggravating the issue.

A meeting mediated by the Health Ministry on Friday between the unions to settle the issue ended without an agreement being reached.

At a media briefing held yesterday at the Health Ministry, Minister Sirisena said no other public service has benefited the way the nurses have by the Government in recent history.

The risk allowance for nurses was raised considerably, a communication allowance of Rs. 2,000 was introduced, and the uniform allowance has been raised from Rs. 9,000 to Rs.14,000 per annum.

A Nurses Charter was set up and in place of overtime payments a special allowance system was introduced.

The Minister said these benefits were given to the nurses to obtain a satisfactory service and ensure an uninterrupted service for patients calling over at government hospitals and clinics.

Therefore, it was unfair and unjust to resort to such unethical and rash trade union action.

Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers Association at a press conference held separately yesterday said they were prepared to buffer the effects of the nurses trade union action.

They have handed over a set of recommendations to the Health Ministry to ensure 'smooth operations' in hospitals including the appointment of Ward Managers who will be responsible for medical equipment and drugs of a ward so that nurses will not be at liberty to lock up cupboards when going on strike.

- MF