A collective of 72 health sector trade unions commenced a strike at 6:30 a.m. today (Feb. 13), aiming to press the government for an allowance similar to the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance provided to medical officers. The DAT allowance for government doctors, was increased from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.

Ravi Kumudesh, the convenor of the Health Trade Union Alliance, emphasized that the trade union action seeks equitable treatment for health sector professionals regarding allowances.

The trade unions represent a diverse spectrum of health sector professionals, including radiology and laboratory technicians, pharmacists, midwives, dental surgeons, public health inspectors, and entomology officers. They have been staging strikes in recent months, advocating for an increase in allowances.

The catalyst for these trade union actions was the approval by Cabinet Ministers of President Ranil Wickremesinghe's proposal to double the DAT allowance for government doctors, raising it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.