Specialists demand probe after surgeon blocked from taking up post

The move appeared to follow instructions issued by the Provincial Director of Health for the Western Province 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has urged the Health Ministry Secretary to launch an immediate inquiry into an incident at the Gampaha District General Hospital, where a surgeon appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) was barred from assuming duties on December 10.   

The AMS said the hospital’s refusal to accept the doctor despite a valid PSC appointment and his official release from the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital was a serious breach of PSC authority and established administrative procedure.   

The association noted that the move appeared to follow instructions issued by the Provincial Director of Health for the Western Province.   

In a letter to the Health Secretary, the AMS called for a full investigation into the conduct of the hospital administration and any officials who may have influenced the decision, warning that such interference undermines the PSC’s authority, disrupts critical medical services, and may violate the fundamental rights of the affected officer.   

The association said the incident reflects a wider pattern of arbitrary interference in specialist transfers an issue that harms morale, destabilises the profession, and threatens the health sector’s ability to retain experienced medical personnel.   

The AMS urged the Ministry to take corrective action and ensure accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.