Ministry to get tough on doctors who leave country without prior notice

• “If  a doctor leaves the country without prior notice,  provisions are available to take legal actions”

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

In the wake of the incident where the only consultant anaesthetist at the Embilipitiya District General Hospital had left the hospital without prior notice, the Health Ministry said stringent actions will be taken against doctors who travel overseas without prior notice.

This was revealed by Deputy Director General (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya.  

According to Dr. Wijesuriya, doctors are not allowed to leave the country without prior permission from the health authorities.  
“In the current context, we have noticed a growing trend of doctors leaving the country citing a host of reasons. However, if a doctor leaves the country without prior notice,  provisions are available to take legal actions,”   “Hereafter, we are taking stern actions against such doctors along with pertinent legal actions. 
The nature of the actions will be announced in the near future. 

As such, the doctors who travel overseas without prior notice will be dealt with accordingly,” Dr Wijesuriya added.  

Meanwhile, a Health Ministry official earlier told Daily Mirror that a total of 103 specialist doctors who have migrated illegally and neglected their responsibilities have been blacklisted and steps are underway to blacklist more doctors.