The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) will stage a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital tomorrow (10), demanding solutions to several issues affecting doctors and the country's healthcare system.

GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe announced this at a media briefing today (09), stating that representatives from the association's district branches across the country are expected to gather in Colombo.

He clarified that the protest would not involve a trade union strike and that routine medical services would continue at all hospitals without disruption.

The GMOA has raised concerns over alleged cuts to doctors' salaries and allowances, unresolved issues relating to official quarters and security concerns affecting medical professionals.

Dr. Wijesinghe said the association expects the government to address these issues through the upcoming Budget.

He noted that doctors had been waiting for solutions for the past two-and-a-half years and warned that the planned protest would mark the first step in further trade union action if their concerns remain unresolved.

He also criticised what he described as attacks against doctors on social media, stating that concerns over professional security and welfare had added to the dissatisfaction among medical professionals.

The GMOA further warned that failure to address the concerns of doctors and specialists would raise questions about the government's commitment to maintaining the country's free healthcare system.

Dr. Wijesinghe expressed hope that the government's third Budget under the National People's Power (NPP) administration would provide concrete solutions to the issues raised by the medical community.