Members of 72 health trade unions initiated a symbolic strike lasting four hours, commencing from 6:30 AM this morning.

The strike action encompasses a range of healthcare professionals, including public health inspectors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, radiologists, and other union members within the sector.

Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the joint-convener of the Health Trade Union Alliance, confirmed that the strike got underway at several prominent healthcare institutions, including the Kandy National Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, and Badulla Provincial General Hospital.

Amidst the strike action, attention has been drawn to a scheduled discussion convened by the President's Office in response to the demands put forth by the Health Trade Union Alliance.

Dharmawickrama revealed that the discussion is slated to take place at 12 noon today, with hopes of reaching a resolution to the ongoing issues faced by healthcare professionals.

However, he cautioned that failure to address their concerns satisfactorily may result in the initiation of a continuous trade union action commencing at 6:30 AM tomorrow morning.