Sri Lanka’s Public Health Inspectors threaten action due to the lack of safety gear
The Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union of Sri Lanka has threatened to launch trade union action in two weeks time if the government of Sri Lanka fails to respond to their requests.
The PHI Union last week said they would suspend services from 4 April unless steps were taken to provide adequate safety gear, transport and other support services to PHIs island wide.
However, following discussions with officials of Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry, the union has decided to give the government two weeks to respond to their concerns and provide them with the required safety gear.
“The decision to suspend trade union action was taken considering the situation the country is facing. Our organisation is fully aware of the challenges in fighting COVID-19, however we also cannot allow our members to face this threat without adequate support. We are therefore hoping the Government takes our views into consideration and takes the necessary steps. We look forward to working with the Government and other stakeholders in this regard,” the union has said in a statement.
OSL take:
The claim by Public Health Inspectors in Sri Lanka that the front line health workers lack personal protection equipment (PPE) is indicative of Sri Lanka’s requirement of PPEs. Foreign medical supplies companies could explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s health sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20200406/Z_6 |