Shortage of doctors in rural hospitals; extend doctors’ retirement age to 63: GMOA

24 March 2021 02:01 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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To overcome the shortage of doctors in the health sector, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) requested the Government to extend the doctors' retirement age to 63.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Shenal Fernando said there is an acute shortage of doctors in hospitals in the country as well as in rural areas.

He said the GMOA has received information related to doctors shortage in rural hospitals by provincial governors following the 'Gama Samaga Pilisandara' programme held, headed by the President.

Dr. Fernando pointed out that a large number of doctors who are leaving the country in recent past caused the current scarcity.

"The issues which created over the SITAM issue for many years resulted in late emergence of doctors. The Examination to Register to Practise Medicine (ERPM) was also not held for two years," he said.

Therefore, the GMOA request the Government to extend the retirement age of doctors to 63 to overcome the situation in rural hospitals temporarily.

However, it is unfortunate to hear that no cabinet approval has been granted as yet on this. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Comments - 6

Hypocritical Le Wednesday, 24 March 2021 03:10 PM

Shortage because all the patriotic Sinhalese doctors migrate overseas and work for the same colonial masters. getting independence was of no value at all.

Idiot Boy Wednesday, 24 March 2021 03:18 PM

Why? 63? Take more medical students to Universities. Give good chance to Students.

Basil.Mark Wednesday, 24 March 2021 03:38 PM

Why not extend it 70 years as doctors after retirement continue to practice medicine.Let's harness the talent which is there instead of looking for new talent.Give them a choice.

Ram Wednesday, 24 March 2021 03:40 PM

Before giving them internship obtain a Bond from every doctor who qualified in Sri Lanka to serve the country for a minimum of 10 years or pay 50% of the cost of providing medical education.

Disillusioned Wednesday, 24 March 2021 04:26 PM

# Hypocritical Le: As long as doctors in high risk areas are allowed to give vaccine priority to young healthy family members, yes they will go to less hypocrite and corrupt countries

sympathizer Thursday, 25 March 2021 08:30 AM

Mobilize Dr Dhammike Panniya and those Fake doctors practicing western medicine

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