Hospital sources reveal that the third specialist anesthetist at Hambantota General Hospital has departed abroad without prior notification, marking the latest in a series of similar incidents. It is reported that two other specialist anesthetists had previously left the hospital without informing authorities, opting to communicate their departures via brief text messages. Director of Hambantota General Hospital, Ayanthi Jayawardena, confirms that the Ministry of Health has been notified of these occurrences.
A recent study conducted by a team of specialist doctors from the Ministry of Health highlights a concerning trend, revealing that a total of 350 specialist doctors from government hospitals have left the country. The areas of anesthesia and pediatrics are identified as particularly impacted by this exodus.
The departure of specialist medical professionals poses significant challenges for hospitals, especially in critical departments such as anesthesia.
