Dr. Wijesuriya, Deputy Director of Health Services, has made a heartfelt appeal to specialist doctors in Sri Lanka, urging them to consider the critical shortage of medical experts in the country before making decisions about leaving for overseas opportunities.
He emphasizes that although the idea of specialists working abroad can contribute to foreign exchange earnings, it should not be prioritized over addressing the acute shortage of specialist doctors within the nation’s healthcare system.
Dr. Wijesuriya acknowledges that Sri Lanka has previously benefited from a significant pool of specialist doctors who have provided their expertise to various basic hospitals. However, he highlights a growing concern as many doctors are now choosing to leave the country for foreign opportunities. This trend poses a challenge to ensuring accessible and quality specialist medical services for the population, particularly those in need of specialized care.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Health is actively working on retaining specialist doctors within the country. Dr. Wijesuriya emphasizes that the efforts are not driven by political motives or personal agendas, but rather by the commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the citizens of Sri Lanka. As part of these efforts, the Ministry is also considering re-hiring retired doctors to fill the gap left by departing specialists.
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