24 March 2021 02:01 pm
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)