Sri Lanka deploys troops to hospital amid health worker strike

By Anadolu staff

Sri Lankan has deployed military troops to public sector hospitals after a nationwide strike by health workers, media reports said Thursday.

The deployment of army troops was in response to a two-day beginning Wednesday by health unions to maintain essential services and ensure uninterrupted patient care at government hospitals, media outlet News First reported.

The strike has affected the health care system as hospitals face widespread disruptions.

Health workers went on strike following the announcement by the government Monday that it would increase allowances for doctors but neglected lower health staff.

The move sparked discontent among health care workers, including paramedics, lab technicians, pharmacists and radiologists, who demanded an increase in their allowances.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid