By Maheesha Mudugamuwa Despite the continuous attempts made by the Government to rectify the issue, public health inspectors (PHIs) have intensified their trade union action as they have now withdrawn not only from Covid-19-related duties, but all activities related to communicable diseases including dengue control. PHI’s Union (PHIU) President Upul Rohana told The Morning that they held several discussions with the Director General of Health Services last weekend (18, 19) but ended up without a conclusion. He said that trade union action would be continued until their demands are met. The union withdrew from Covid-19-related duties on Friday (17), protesting against a statement made by Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi. Rohana said that trade union action would be continued until the Government recognises them as legally authorised officers by issuing a gazette notification under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance. “We have kept saying this for three months now and a few of our officers are already facing legal implications as they carried out their duties which they are not legally bound to do,” he stressed. On several occasions, the PHIs had demanded their powers be increased through the issuance of a gazette under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance. Several rounds of discussions had also been held with no final decision being taken.