Caucus urges special payment system to retain doctors

 Colombo, June 26 -  The Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians Sri Lanka recently proposed a specialized payment system to mitigate losses incurred from doctors leaving the country.

The caucus underscored that current policies contribute to difficulties faced by medical professionals, especially concerning transfers and incentives for those working in remote areas.

The meeting, convened in Parliament recently, saw participation from key stakeholders including the Government Medical Officers' Association, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, and the Director General of the Department of Health Services.

Central to the discussions was an appraisal of Sri Lanka's pharmaceutical supply chain and the impact of health worker transfer policies.

According to the Government Medical Officers' Association, recent surveys across hospitals indicate a noticeable reduction in drug shortages compared to previous periods. However, concerns were raised about persistent deficits in some facilities, primarily attributed to inadequate storage, distribution and transport infrastructure.

The caucus deliberated extensively on the challenges posed by current transfer policies, which reportedly deter doctors from returning to Sri Lanka after pursuing further training abroad. Consequently, hospitals often face shortages of specialized medical professionals, forcing existing staff into extended working hours.

Recognizing these issues, the caucus proposed the implementation of additional allowances for doctors stationed in remote districts, aiming to alleviate the strain on medical personnel and improve healthcare delivery nationwide.