Govt. to absorb retired specialists to address shortage

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Notwithstanding the retirement age of medical specialists being extended to 63 through a court ruling in light of shortage of specialists, the Government has been still compelled to absorb medical specialists to the hospital cadre, an official said.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Health Ministry Secretary S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha said that the consultants who had retired would be requested to work on contract basis.  

“They can continue their duty for six months or until the replacement is reported. If replacement is reported before six months, they can work at some other needy hospital if they wish,” he underscored.  “The Ministry of Health would do the needful to get the Public Service Commission (PSC) approval in due course,” Chandraguptha added.  

Meanwhile, he said the Cabinet paper with regard to extending of the retirement age of medical specialists from 60 to 63 had been submitted for the reference of Cabinet of Ministers.  “We have also included in the paper that the extension of the retirement age should also be applicable to other doctors as well,” he noted.