Four doctors attached to the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), which maintained its official office in Room No. 07 on the ground floor of the Ministry of Health, have been transferred with immediate effect in connection with an investigation into the employment of an unauthorized individual at the office.
The GMOA office was established with the knowledge and protection of former Health Secretaries. However, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, who served as the Health Minister during the “Yahapalana” government, ordered the removal of the office. He stated that it was against regulations to allow only the GMOA to maintain a trade union office within the Ministry premises, especially when numerous trade unions operate within the government health service. Despite this, the office was later re-established within the Ministry with the support of subsequent ministers and secretaries.
The issue arose when the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched an investigation into a non-doctor who had been working in the GMOA office. It was revealed that this individual, who was not a medical professional, had been using the Ministry’s computers for over 10 years, appeared in crucial roles such as medical transfer boards, and even received a salary. This employment was facilitated by the GMOA with the written approval of a former Health Secretary.
Following the commencement of the investigation, the Ministry of Health transferred the four doctors assigned to the GMOA office. Two of these doctors were from the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, while one was transferred to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital and another to the Colombo National Hospital.
It is also reported that GMOA members have raised concerns and questioned the transfers during an Executive Council meeting.
