Over 4,600 health professionals have migrated since 2022: Health Minister

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Over 4,600 Sri Lankan health professionals have migrated overseas between 2022 and 2025, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed during his address at the 78th annual World Health Assembly (WHA78) of the World Health Organization (WHO).   

Speaking before delegates from across the world, Minister Jayatissa said that “Sri Lanka has had to bear significant financial losses after investing to produce our own health professionals,” he stated.   

He also highlighted that the migration of trained medical staff is not just a national concern, but a global one.   

“I stress the need to address the concerns due to the health workforce migration affecting global health,” he said.   

Furthermore, the Minister urged destination countries to take greater responsibility and to adhere to the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, which promotes ethical recruitment and sustainability in health systems.