AMS wants inquiry from Health Secretary over PSC appointment violation

Colombo, Dec. 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called on the Secretary of the Ministry of Health to initiate an official inquiry into the incident at the Gampaha District General Hospital, where a PSC-appointed surgeon was prevented from assuming duties on December 10.

The AMS states that the hospital’s refusal to accept the surgeon—despite a valid Public Service Commission appointment and his lawful release from the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital—constitutes a serious violation of PSC directives and established administrative procedures. 

The association further notes that the incident appears to have occurred based on instructions issued by the Provincial Director of Health for the Western Province.

In its communication to the Health Secretary, the AMS urged a comprehensive investigation into the actions of the hospital administration and any officials who may have influenced the decision. 

The association stressed that such behaviour undermines the authority of the PSC, disrupts essential medical services, and may amount to a violation of the fundamental rights of the officer concerned.

The AMS emphasised that this incident is indicative of a broader issue of arbitrary interference in specialist transfers—an issue that impacts morale, professional stability, and the public health service’s ability to retain highly skilled medical personnel.

As such, the association requested that the Ministry take appropriate corrective measures and ensure accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.