Colombo, March 4 -- The government today urged the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) not to resort to unreasonable trade union actions by inconveniencing the people.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament that the government had given the maximum possible salary increment to the doctors despite the economic situation.

Jayatissa said the government is ready to discuss with any trade union if they have more issues.

"I, as the Health Minister, discussed with the GMOA soon after I assumed duties. The President had discussions with the GMOA for one hour and forty minutes. They suddenly decided to resort to an island wide strike on March 5 targeting the Health Ministry expenditure head to be taken up in Parliament...