Sri Lanka: Doctors striking nationwide Dec. 21; emergency services available

Event

Unionized public doctors under the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) are striking across Sri Lanka, Dec. 21, as part of an ongoing campaign to improve working conditions. The action is likely to impact treatment at public hospitals nationwide severely; however, doctors providing emergency, maternity, children's, cancer, and kidney treatments will continue to work.

Doctors could protest during the action; demonstrations are most likely near government hospitals and buildings. Authorities will likely increase security at any gatherings that occur. Localized business and transport disruptions are possible near any demonstration. While any protests will probably be peaceful, clashes between demonstrators and security personnel remain possible.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Avoid any demonstrations as a precaution. Plan for possible localized disruptions near any protest site.