The Society of Government Dispensers has planned to launch an islandwide strike on 22 October with the participation of over 1,700 officers serving in teaching hospitals, general hospitals, base hospitals, regional hospitals and primary healthcare units.

The organisation’s Secretary, M.M.S. Bandara alleged that there is an attempt to downsize dispensers from the approved cadre in key public hospitals. He claimed that if this situation continues, it would lead to the establishment of a monopoly of pharmacists in major public hospitals.

“This is creating uncertainty about the uninterrupted provision of services to patients,” a statement issued by the group read, adding that although attempts were made to find solutions to this issue through discussions with the Health Ministry on several occasions, they did not receive the necessary cooperation.