Health Ministry fails to pay salaries to recalled specialists

•  They have not received any payment for the past three months

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Despite the Health Ministry pledging a salary and pension, the seven specialists who have been requested to continue working after retirement have not received any payment for the past three months, according to sources.   

Sources close to the matter told Daily Mirror that out of the 69 specialists scheduled to retire this year, 53 have already retired, and only seven of them have rejoined the workforce at the request of the Health Ministry.   
However, despite their return, the Health Ministry has failed to pay a salary and the pension for these seven specialists.   
Accordingly, the seven recalled specialists include two consultant transfusion specialists, one general surgeon, one consultant physician, one pathologist, a VOG, and one anesthetist.   

One of the recalled specialists, Dr. Dhammika Wickramasekara, a senior specialist surgeon at Homagama Hospital told daily Mirror that he had retired in June but was called back due to the urgent needs of the hospital. However, since his return, he has not received any payment, including overtime payments.   

Efforts to contact Dr. Priyantha Atapattu, Director-Tertiary Care Services, have been unsuccessful. However, the Health Ministry has reportedly informed the Public Service Commission (PSC) about this issue, but has yet to receive a response.   

It is crucial for the Health Ministry to address this matter promptly and ensure that the recalled specialists receive the salaries and pensions they were promised.