The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that Sri Lanka’s health sector is facing a severe crisis, with more than 2,500 specialists and doctors leaving the country in the wake of recent economic and political instability.
GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said there has been no significant decline in the outflow of medical professionals, leading to major challenges in sustaining hospital services and providing adequate healthcare to the public.
“Although the GMOA has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Health for a programme that would encourage doctors to remain in the country by ensuring economic justice, fairness and a conducive professional environment, the Ministry has yet to initiate a permanent mechanism to safeguard doctors,” Dr. Sugathadasa said.
He added that the Ministry’s “short-sighted and inefficient policies” have accelerated the exodus of medical professionals.
“While the government and the Health Minister publicly claim that protecting doctors is a policy priority, the Ministry’s actions are driving them away instead of retaining them,” he noted.
The GMOA further stressed that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health to create a secure professional environment for doctors who continue to serve in the state health system and to ensure legal protection for their service-related duties.