The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has called for urgent discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa and the Director General of Health Services over the alarming decline of healthcare services in government hospitals.
Speaking at a press briefing, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said that instead of taking tangible measures to address the worsening shortage of medicine and equipment at government hospitals, the National People’s Power (NPP) government is trying to hoodwink the public by creating an environment for patients to procure required medicine and equipment from the private sector.
“This circular is not only impractical, but it also places additional burdens on already struggling patients. It creates a false perception of action while doing nothing to resolve the shortages at state-run hospitals,” he said.
His remarks followed a meeting held on Sunday (21) at the GMOA’s headquarters, where concerned medical professionals, including specialists, unanimously agreed that the circular further complicated hospital operations and weakened their ability to provide services under increasingly strained conditions.
Following internal deliberations, the GMOA’s executive committee resolved that the Health Ministry’s circular not only disrupts hospital workflow but also chips away at the foundations of Sri Lanka’s free public health service.
Quoting those who attended Monday’s meeting, and reports from hospitals, Dr. Sugathadasa said the circular is impractical and couldn’t be adhered to under the present circumstances.
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