GMOA calls for a clean sweep as new Health Minister takes charge

• Says the new minister needs to be supported by a bunch of genuine and dedicated officials

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

While welcoming the newly appointed Health Minister Ramesh  Pathirana, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) stressed  the importance of doing away with certain health officials in the health  ministry and other institutions, especially the NMRA and MSD.   

Speaking to Daily Mirror, GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil  Wijesinghe said the new minister should come up with a new set of  policies to address the issues the health sector is grappling with at  present.    

The change was needed in the leadership. We are willing to  engage with the new minister and the SLMA would extend the fullest  cooperation

“However, if the new minister is to be successful, he needs  to get rid of certain health officials who have become parasite to the  health sector. It is these officials who have jeopardized the health  sector in Sri Lanka,” he pointed out.   

“Thus, the new minister needs to be supported by a bunch of genuine and dedicated officials, he added.   
Meanwhile, the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association  (SLMA) Dr Vinya Ariyaratne told Daily Mirror they are ready to work with  any minister; however, he or she needs to come clean.   

“The change was needed in the leadership. We are willing to  engage with the new minister and the SLMA would extend the fullest  cooperation,” he highlighted.   

“The new minister should immediately take steps to solve  the existing issues plaguing the health sector such as shortage of  medicines, quality of drugs, corruption in the sector,” he added.