The Association of Government Medical Officers has reported that 23 out of the 30 specialists working in emergency treatment units of government hospitals have chosen to leave the country. This mass departure has raised serious concerns about the state of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
Adding to the growing crisis, Dr. Darshana Sirisena, president of the association, further disclosed that 5 out of the 29 neurologists in the country have also decided to leave. These numbers highlight a significant loss of expertise in critical areas of medical care.
Dr. Sirisena emphasized that out of the 8 specialists who returned to Sri Lanka after completing their training abroad, only 2 have chosen to stay, while the remaining 5 have already left the country. This alarming trend indicates a potentially disastrous situation in the coming years.
The issue of brain drain is compounded by the lengthy duration it takes to produce doctors. It typically takes around 7 years to train a general doctor and about 10 years to produce a specialist. The extended training period amplifies the impact of specialists leaving the country, exacerbating the shortage of experienced healthcare professionals.
Dr. Sirisena criticized the Ministry of Health for its lack of initiatives to retain doctors in Sri Lanka. Factors such as the absence of official housing for medical professionals and inadequate compensation were cited as key reasons for doctors seeking opportunities elsewhere. Without a comprehensive program to address these issues, the country is likely to face a deepening healthcare crisis.
