25 specialists leave annually, hospitals under strain: Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

Sri Lanka requires 3,181 specialist doctors to meet national healthcare needs, but only 2,042 are currently serving leaving a shortage of more than 1,100 specialists

Ministry of Health and Postgraduate Institute of Medicine urged to develop long-term strategies to both expand the number of specialists and retain those currently undergoing training

Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is grappling with a growing shortage of specialist doctors, as around 25 leave the country each year, severely impacting hospitals across the island, warns Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance.  

A report issued by the Director of Occupational Health Services, Dr. Priyantha Atapattu based on information released under the Right to Information Act confirms that 24 specialist doctors have left the country’s health service between April last year and April this year.  

According to the report, Sri Lanka requires 3,181 specialist doctors to meet national healthcare needs, but only 2,042 are currently serving leaving a shortage of more than 1,100 specialists.  

The gaps are severe across several disciplines: around 200 anesthesiologists, 150 physiotherapists, 100 surgeons, 100 gynecologists and obstetricians, and nearly 100 pediatricians are lacking. The shortage of forensic medical specialists is also increasing, with only 41 currently serving out of the required 64.  

The report also highlights that although 100 orthopedic surgeons are needed, only 47 are currently practicing.  

Dr. Sanjeewa emphasised that the situation has already begun to hinder hospital operations and patient care across the country. He urged the Ministry of Health and the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine to develop long-term strategies to both expand the number of specialists and retain those currently undergoing training.  

“The government must recognise that this is not just a staffing issue it’s a threat to the entire healthcare system,” Dr. Sanjeewa warned.