A controversial situation has arisen at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital as the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) is reportedly pressuring the Health Ministry Secretary to cancel the punishment transfer of Dr. Dulan Samaraweera, the hospital’s Deputy Director.
A group of GMOA representatives met with the Health Secretary last night (20) and strongly requested that Dr. Samaraweera be allowed to remain in his current position. However, sources say the Secretary appeared helpless in the face of the demand as the official transfer order had already been prepared.
The GMOA representatives suggested a compromise, requesting that Dr. Samaraweera be allowed to serve two days a week as Deputy Director since the Director of the Polonnaruwa Hospital already visits the Anuradhapura Hospital three days a week.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda jayatissa has reportedly instructed that Dr. Samaraweera be assigned to another position. Adding to the tension, a special investigation team from the Health Ministry is scheduled to visit the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital today (21) to conduct an inquiry into allegations against Dr. Samaraweera.
A senior hospital spokesperson told Lankasara that while the majority of hospital staff, except the doctors, believe Dr. Samaraweera should step down, it is troubling to see only the GMOA fighting to keep him in his post.
Another hospital official questioned the ethics of allowing Dr. Samaraweera to remain in the hospital while under investigation. He criticized the GMOA for trying to protect Dr. Samaraweera, accusing the union of hypocrisy after previously calling a nationwide doctors’ strike to defend him.
The incident has sparked fresh controversy over the GMOA’s influence within the health sector and their alleged attempts to interfere with disciplinary actions.
