Specialists urge probe into anti-doctor remarks online

• Says such irresponsible behaviour is damaging public trust in healthcare system
• Health Ministry urged to issue a fact-based technical report to counter misleading claims

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has raised serious concern over the growing trend of non-medical individuals publicly commenting on complex medical and surgical decisions warning that such irresponsible behaviour is damaging public trust in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.   

In a letter to Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the AMS condemned the recent wave of adverse remarks made by non-experts on social and mainstream media, calling it a threat to both the morale of doctors and the safety of patients.   

“These unqualified opinions, often widely circulated, have triggered online attacks on medical professionals, caused public confusion, and cast unwarranted doubts on the integrity of the country’s healthcare services,” the AMS said. 

These unqualified opinions, often widely circulated, have triggered online attacks on medical professionals, caused public confusion, and cast unwarranted doubts on the integrity of the country’s healthcare services  

The association urged the Health Ministry to investigate these incidents and issue a fact-based technical report to counter misleading claims and safeguard the reputation of Sri Lanka’s medical professionals.   

“This harmful trend undermines the dedication of our specialists, who work in challenging environments, and could severely impact patient confidence in life-saving procedures,” the AMS stressed.   

The AMS called on the government to take firm action to curb the spread of false or uninformed commentary on medical matters.