Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament today (07) that Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of 1,139 specialist doctors.
Responding to a question raised by MP Nishantha Samaraweera, Minister Jayatissa revealed that only 2,042 specialist doctors are serving across 134 secondary, tertiary, and specialised-care hospitals where the respective facilities are mandated to provide specialist medical services.
Dr. Jayatissa attributed the shortfall to several factors, noting that the country has lost the services of 570 specialist doctors in recent years due to retirement, resignation, and extended leave.
Between 2020 and 2024, 233 specialists retired, 82 vacated their positions, seven resigned, and 57 were reassigned to other institutions.
A further 191 specialists are currently on no-pay leave, many of whom are believed to be overseas.
The Minister also expressed concern over the ageing medical workforce, stating that 201 of the current specialists are over 60, while 546 are between the ages of 55 and 60, raising potential long-term staffing challenges.
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