The Government Medical Officers’ Association has expressed concern over the exodus of doctors from the country, with over a thousand doctors having left since 2022.
This mass departure is causing significant challenges in maintaining patient care services in peripheral hospitals, warns Vaidaya Haritha Aluthge, the association’s secretary.
To address this critical issue, the association has presented an eight-point resolution to all relevant parties, including the President. Instead of resorting to illegal threats and enforcement, the association urges the implementation of public policies aimed at encouraging doctors to stay in Sri Lanka.
One of the key proposals involves the establishment of a special program through a committee appointed by the health minister to address the issue of brain drain in the health sector promptly. The association’s proposals include the introduction of a new salary structure, the improvement of residential and transportation facilities for medical professionals, the expansion of post-graduate study opportunities, and the revision of unfair tax policies.
