Public healthcare in crisis as hospitals struggle without doctors

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised serious concerns over a severe shortage of medical personnel, noting that Sri Lanka’s hospital system is on the verge of collapse.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday (3), GMOA spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the lack of doctors and support staff has made it increasingly difficult to maintain day-to-day operations in hospitals across the country.

“Even if we have sufficient drugs and modern equipment, hospitals cannot function without adequate medical personnel. The human resource shortage has now become the biggest challenge facing the public health sector,” he said.

GMOA executive committee member Dr. Prasad Colambage added that the shortage of approved cadre positions and medical staff has left patients struggling to access essential care islandwide.

Criticising the Ministry of Health’s leadership, Dr. Wijesinghe alleged that while many hospital issues were addressed prior to the Health Minister’s overseas visit, the situation deteriorated under the Deputy Minister’s oversight. He further claimed that the Deputy Minister has limited understanding of ministry operations, contributing to the ongoing crisis.