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Health Minister has not influenced me on SLMC activities: Chairman

18 July 2019 09:01 am - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Referring to the GMOA’s remarks that Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne makes influence on functioning of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and social media dissemination regarding claims about the SLMC, its Chairman Prof. Harendra de Silva said the Minister had not influenced him on any matter in relation to the proper functioning of the activities of the SLMC.

“I was appointed as the President SLMC by Minister Senaratne since January 2019. However, to date Minister Senaratne had not made any influence on me,” he said in a statement. He said it was the members of the council that decide on the functions of the SLMC.

“I wish to emphasize that the primary objective of the SLMC is to safeguard the rights of patients/people. “It is not a secret that the GMOA safeguards the rights and privileges of doctors which is acceptable, but their political affiliations are transparent. Therefore, it is possible that their opinions in the council are influenced by these factors,” Prof. de Silva said.

He proceeded to say that it was mandatory that the minister in charge of an institution, and in this instance the Minister of Health was responsible for all decisions based on statute and any amendments should be recommended by him, through the cabinet to the parliament.

The SLMC ordinance came in to effect in 1927 more than 90 years ago. There have been amendments from time to time. However an overall change in the ordinance is necessary in order to protect the rights of the people/patients and to eliminate as much as possible persons with conflict of interests.

“The proposal to change the ordinance is timely since the ordinance is archaic,” he said.

The cabinet paper was presented for this purpose based on a concept paper developed by a five members committee appointed by the Minister of Health which comprised of the former Attorney General. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


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  Comments - 9

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  • Samson Thursday, 18 July 2019 10:17 AM

    Changing the SLMC constitution to safeguard people and patients is long overdue. The council should be professional and not political comprising all professions, not only doctors, the way it is in UK.

    Tronald Dump Thursday, 18 July 2019 11:01 AM

    Thought of medicine and health issues is so depressing.

    Anandian Thursday, 18 July 2019 10:35 AM

    Well said Harendra. Fix these Z score GMOA jokers.

    Yehiya Thursday, 18 July 2019 10:57 AM

    First professional organization under political view

    Phil Sanmuganathan Thursday, 18 July 2019 11:31 AM

    Protecting patients promoting and sustaining a safe high quality health service needs contemporary legislature. GMOA is a trade union having infiltrated the SLMC looking after the interest of thier members who work in the state sector and monopolise the private sector. Any liberal policy will be opposed. Doctors want to have the vake and eat it. Best wishes, Harendra. Will wait and see.

    RU Thursday, 18 July 2019 11:39 AM

    A honest professional who is in such stark contrast to the mad dogs of the GMOA. It is important that when such people are attacked, that we stand behind them and protect them from harassment.

    udaya amarasekara Thursday, 18 July 2019 11:44 AM

    Prof. De Silva is a highly respected personality locally and internationally who no doubt will be determined to do the right thing. Not a man who would be bothered if it ruffles certain feathers. Especially political feathers.

    Priyantha 3 Thursday, 18 July 2019 12:10 PM

    Well said Sir

    CHANNA Thursday, 18 July 2019 06:37 PM

    Of course you don't need to be influenced . As you have been appointed by health minister you know what to do to please him


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