The Public Health Inspectors Union said they would withdraw from COVID-19 duties with immediate effect in protest of a statement made by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

Issuing a statement, the union said the Minister had made a statement to the effect that PHIs would not be given adequate powers in the Gazette notification pertaing to health guidelines for the upcoming Parliamentary election.

The Minister said this would be done to avoud any inconvenience and harassment to the public.

The Union said the minister's statement had caused disappointment among PHIs who contributed tirelessly to the national mission against COVID19.

The union's decision will have a significant impact on the ongoing measures against COVID19 as they are an integral part of the public healthcare system.