Union leaders say that the crucial discussion held today between the Minister of Health and representatives of health unions was successful.
The Association of Health Professionals said that the discussion with the government regarding their demands showed a positive situation and accordingly they expect to issue the final circular.
“They have accepted that there has been some injustice to the entire health board. We do not ask everything in our proposals. We are trying to do justice to the injustice done to the health service by taking into account the crisis in the country at this time and taking into account the amount of money available. The Ministry of Finance and a representative of the President have been involved in this discussion on some occasions. We now have to issue a final circular making this a formal discussion. The health minister promised to discuss it and send it as a formal document to the finance ministry. We are in a positive position as the currently assembled leadership board,” said Mr. Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Health Professionals Scholars Association.
Meanwhile, in today’s discussion with representatives of the health professions, the Minister of Health, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and a group of officials, they promised to increase the uniform allowance of nurses to 30,000 rupees.
Public Service United Nurses Union President Murutthettuwe Ananda Thero stated that he received a good response to his demands from the government while attending a meeting held today (19).
Murutthettuve Ananda Thero, President of the Public Service United Nurses Association, who spoke further, said:
“According to our request from the government, the Minister of Health today promised to increase the uniform allowance of nurses to 30,000 rupees in a discussion with a group of officials including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. It was agreed to give 25,000 rupees in March this year and the remaining 5,000 rupees from January next year. It was agreed to give the fuel allowance in the last quarter of next year. He promised to appoint a committee on overtime allowances and provide quick solutions for it as soon as possible.”
