Despite the President's recent gazette declaring healthcare an essential service, a joint strike organized by 72 health professional associations continues unabated.

The strike, initiated over discussions concerning the approval of a 35,000 rupee DAT allowance for doctors, has led to severe disruptions in government hospital services.

Paramedics, public health inspectors, and family health workers are among those participating in the strike, prompting the deployment of the armed forces to maintain essential healthcare operations.

While nurses' unions have not formally joined the strike, the All Ceylon Nurses' Union has pledged support for today's action.

In the midst of the ongoing strike, the Association of Government Medical Officers held a press conference in Colombo, with Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe addressing the media on behalf of the association.

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has urged the striking unions to return to work, while State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has highlighted concerns over the financial implications of increasing healthcare worker allowances on the public.