Colombo, Aug. 24 -- The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) will launch an island-wide strike in all government hospitals from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (25).

The GMOA said the strike is being staged over the risk of rural hospitals closing down, the government pressuring patients to buy medicines due to shortages, and the looming threat to the free healthcare system caused by the lack of quality drugs and essential equipment.

The association also alleged that the system of transferring doctors to remote areas has "almost completely collapsed" due to irregular and inefficient practices within the Health Ministry.

It warned that nearly 200 hospitals are at risk of closure, while several units in other hospitals could also be disrup...