Friday, September 10, 2004
MLT sick, patients go for private tests
By Damitha Hemachandra
The sick note campaign of the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) went into its second day yesterday with patients who require further medical tests being directed to private hospitals.
National Hospital Chief Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said that the warded patients as well as clinic and OPD patients were directed to private institutions for medical tests and screening but the government would pay the bills.
The MLTs have launched trade union action demanding task-based payments but the Health Authorities say they lack funds to make extra overtime payments.
Meanwhile minor workers and paramedics were also warning of trade union action on disputes relating to overtime payments. They are accusing the Health Ministry of virtually resorting to forced labour.
The sick note campaign of the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) went into its second day yesterday with patients who require further medical tests being directed to private hospitals.
National Hospital Chief Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said that the warded patients as well as clinic and OPD patients were directed to private institutions for medical tests and screening but the government would pay the bills.
The MLTs have launched trade union action demanding task-based payments but the Health Authorities say they lack funds to make extra overtime payments.
Meanwhile minor workers and paramedics were also warning of trade union action on disputes relating to overtime payments. They are accusing the Health Ministry of virtually resorting to forced labour.
