27 September 2023 10:24 pm Views - 843
Remote hospitals, particularly those in peripheral areas, are grappling with a lack of medical doctors while the Health Ministry has an excess staff of 52 doctors, thus making many question the allocation of resources.
This was revealed in the recently held Committee of Public Accounts (COPA) meeting.
The COPA, led by State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, convened the meeting to address various issues in the healthcare sector, including the shortage of medicines, the migration of medical professionals and financial irregularities.
During the meeting, Deputy Director General- Medical Services, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, disclosed that 197 doctors had migrated without prior notice during the year leading up to August 30, 2023. The Ministry has taken steps to recover charges from these doctors.
Moreover, 526 doctors had migrated for extended periods, up to five years, but had informed the Ministry beforehand.
Wijesuriya further stated that there is an expected influx of 1,600 to 2,000 new doctors in the near future, which should alleviate any shortages of medical officers in the normal category. However, the issue of doctors being assigned to remote hospitals remains a concern that needs to be addressed.