Fuel shortage puts health services in a tight spot

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Health services across the country are likely to be affected due to the prevailing fuel shortage, with doctors warning that the limited fuel quota allocated under the QR code system is insufficient for them to report for duty and carry out essential medical services.   

Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Prabath Sugathadasa, told Daily Mirror that the current fuel quota is insufficient for doctors to secure the transport facilities required to report for duty.   

“The fuel crisis that has emerged has created a difficult situation for doctors in obtaining the transport facilities required to report for duty. The fuel quota proposed under the QR system, which came into effect yesterday, is by no means sufficient. The Government should take the necessary steps to present a set of practical solutions, including revising the fuel quota allocated to all health workers, including doctors, to a reasonable level on a priority basis,” he said.  He explained that the quota may be sufficient only if hospitals are located very close to doctors’ residences, which is not the case for most medical officers.   

“The weekly quota means we can use only about two litres of petrol per day. Considering the present traffic congestion, it is not practical, and it is doubtful how long a vehicle can run with just two litres of fuel per day,” he said.  Dr. Sugathadasa added that many doctors remain on on-call duty and may have to report to hospitals at any time, making the current fuel allowance inadequate to maintain essential health services.    He said the GMOA has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake explaining the difficulties faced by doctors and requesting a sustainable solution to ensure uninterrupted medical services.   

In light of the situation, GMOA is set to convene a crucial meeting today (17) to discuss the growing challenges posed by the ongoing fuel shortage.