Sri Lanka is experiencing a shortage of specialist doctors, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament, raising concerns over the long-term capacity of the national healthcare system.
Responding to a question raised during parliamentary proceedings, the Minister said that addressing this shortfall will require coordinated efforts, particularly in relation to the clinical training of medical students.
Dr. Jayatissa stressed that students from state universities, the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), and foreign medical institutions should all undergo clinical training alongside the country’s medical professionals to ensure uniform standards and effective service delivery.
Highlighting ongoing capacity issues within the health system, the Minister announced that a temporary decision had been taken to suspend new admissions to the KDU’s medical faculty.
This measure, he explained, is intended to remain in place until a resolution is reached through dialogue with all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Health, universities, and professional medical bodies.
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