Government doctors in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province are staging demonstrations today (07) outside all major hospitals, protesting what they allege is ongoing political interference in the transfer of medical personnel.
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced the protests amid rising tensions over unlawful and arbitrary transfer decisions that bypass established procedures.
The union has accused political actors of directly influencing the doctor transfer process, undermining the integrity of the healthcare system.
Dr Prabhath Sugathadasa, Secretary of the GMOA, said the association had convened an emergency Executive Committee meeting this morning to discuss the escalating trade union action at the District Hospital in Ampara and other state-run facilities in the district.
He warned that the union is considering extending the action across the entire Eastern Province.
A particularly serious case has emerged at the Base Hospital in Dehiattakandiya, where the GMOA claims direct political interference has compromised both hospital administration and doctor placement decisions.
According to the GMOA, multiple appeals to the health authorities have gone unanswered.
Dr Sugathadasa called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, and the Health Secretary to intervene immediately to halt the politicisation of the doctor transfer process.
“Transfers must be based on the recommendations of the transfer boards and the relevant authorities and not on the whims of political figures,” he added.
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