Taxpayers’ money go up in smoke as docs abandon service

Colombo, November 4 (Daily Mirror) - Billions of rupees of taxpayers’ money have gone down the drain as hundreds of government doctors have deserted their posts and forfeited their foreign training opportunities.

This was disclosed in a special audit report. The report observed a significant surge in doctors quitting government service, many heading abroad or pursuing postgraduate studies, without settling their financial obligations.

This was much prevalent during the period from 2020 to 2022.

Medical doctors in Sri Lanka began leaving the country due to a range of factors, including low pay, higher taxes, limited career opportunities, poor working conditions, limited resources, equipment, and staff in hospitals, political instability, and insufficient protection for healthcare workers.

This was seen as a major blow to the health sector, leaving the public to bear the brunt of it. Although the trend began to decline after 2024, its impact on the sector remains immense.

According to the findings, Rs. 1.15 billion is owed by 705 officers who violated agreements since 2015, while Rs. 119 million is pending from 116 officers who did not submit personal files for audit.

The report highlights serious weaknesses in internal controls, such as failure to collect security deposits and fines on time, and inefficiencies of the officials.

Furthermore, 68 officers failed to complete their government-funded postgraduate degrees, effectively wasting millions in public funds, while 71 others did not complete training or report back to duty.

The audit also flagged mismanagement of specialist appointments, poorly maintained personal files, and the lack of systems to ensure the return of government assets.

Moreover, Provincial Council Hospitals and health institutions were found to have overstepped their authority, making appointments reserved for the Public Service Commission.

As such, the Auditor General has demanded urgent action to recover over Rs. 1.2 billion from those who breached their service agreements as of October 31, 2024.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, a senior official at the Health Ministry said the discussions regarding the recovery of funds are yet to commence.