The Alliance of Health Tade Unions says the strike launched by 72 health unions will continue today.

The strike continues despite a special gazette notification declaring health care as an essential service.

The strike was launched  at 6.30 am yesterday demanding an allowance of Rs 35,000 similar to the allowance given to doctors.

The strike includes members of 72 health unions including public health inspectors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and radiologists.

Operations at Children's hospitals, Cancer hospitals, Kidney hospitals and Maternity hospitals will not be interrupted by the strike.

Patients at hospitals were severely affected due to the strike launched yesterday.

When News First inquired the Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana in this regard the Minister said the Army and Navy have been deployed to maintain health services in the wake of the strike.