Decision to recall retired specialists not feasible: Experts

With reference to the decision of the health Ministry to recall the retired medical specialists, medical specialists opined that it is neither a feasible nor a longstanding move to address the shortage of specialists.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told Daily Mirror, “I don’t know how feasible the decision would be given a spate of reasons.

“There is no guarantee that every specialist who is recalled is willing to continue to work. Some may opt to come whereas some don’t,"

When asked what the prompt step would be to address the migration of doctors, Dr. Wijewickrama said it is fitting to conduct a survey among the specialists who have already migrated and ask for the reasons which persuaded them to migrate, so that the health authorities can assess the conditions and take pertinent actions accordingly.

Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Mirror, Senior Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Namal Gamage of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital said, “I will retire the end of this month and the Health Ministry has requested me to continue as the Cardiothoracic Surgeon on contract basis and I have conveyed my willingness considering the conditions of the patients.

“I will continue until somebody comes or until I wish. However, I may go or may not go,” he added.

Furthermore, another renowned specialist who wished to remain anonymous shared his views with Daily Mirror and stated that he had already retired last June but decided to continue taking note of the patients.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), told Daily Mirror that the decision is an interim measure but not a longstanding move.

“Recalling doctors who have retired some years back is also not a rational decision. If retired specialists are to be recalled, the specialists who retired recently and those who are retiring should be recalled. Nevertheless, it’s a temporary solution for the exodus of specialists,” he added.

Furthermore, Senior Consultant Dr. Dileepa Amarasooriya told Daily Mirror that it is highly unlikely that majority of retired specialists desire working in other peripheries.

She also emphasized that the authorities have no other alternatives, but the latest decision is not a sustainable one. (Sheain Fernandopulle)