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Colombo, January 14 (Daily Mirror) - Medical associations have raised concerns over a potential precedent after a psychiatrist assigned to the District General Hospital in Mullaitivu requested a reversal of her transfer.
The reluctance of specialists to serve in rural areas has become a growing issue, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, where a severe shortage of psychiatrists continues to impact healthcare.
Informed sources told Daily Mirror that the psychiatrist in question has reportedly applied for sick leave despite being in good health, citing ongoing research work as the reason for her unwillingness to take up the post. However, her absence has left psychiatric services at the hospital in disarray, further straining already limited resources.
Hospitals in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, and Jaffna are also grappling with a lack of psychiatrists, and this latest development has worsened the situation. "The shortage has left patients without essential mental health services," said the hospital director, who added that many doctors hesitate to work in remote areas due to time constraints and poor transport links.
The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and several leading medical bodies have urged authorities not to reverse the psychiatrist’s transfer, warning that such a move could encourage other specialists to avoid rural postings in the future.
According to officials, 50 psychiatrists have migrated over the past two years, exacerbating the crisis. Although 90 hospitals require psychiatric services, only 60 can currently be staffed.