Migrated doctors return easing shortage concerns

12 March 2024 09:48 pm - 72 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 12 (Daily Mirror) - Doctors who had previously left Sri Lanka for various reasons are now returning to the country, providing a hopeful alleviation of the ongoing shortage of doctors, the Health Ministry said.

Deputy Director General (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya, while speaking at a news briefing, highlighted this positive development, citing a recent downward trend in doctors leaving the country.

"Previously, there was a concerning trend where doctors, particularly those pursuing postgraduate training abroad, opted not to return to Sri Lanka. However, we are now witnessing a reversal of this trend, with an increasing number of doctors choosing to come back," stated Dr. Wijesuriya.

The Health Ministry also emphasized the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively, acknowledging ongoing discussions with relevant stakeholders to find effective solutions.

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Comments - 72

Lk Tuesday, 12 March 2024 11:21 PM

If CB staff get millions in salary why not doctors ? Increase their salaries and look after them well. Politicians get more salary than Drs That is why they leave you all in dark

Mahila Thursday, 14 March 2024 12:11 AM

NO!!?? NOT “IN DARK”, BUT UNDER THE ILLUMINATING FLOURESCENT AND LED LIGHTS!? They have gone abroad, done a reality check of working conditions, and availability of work and work conditions, housing (exorbitant rental, ownership), Transportation, vehicles (No free permits), Cost of Fuel, Childcare, Education and partner's employment conditions, importantly cost of daily Life expenses!!?? They are totally satisfied, WHAT THEY ARE "COMING BACK TO" and what they are going to GET?? No NEED to Disputes on emoluments, which they are clearly aware and importantly done “REALITY CHECK” – SPEND MONEY going overseas and stay with Family!? What More “DARK”!? ALL WELL LIT AND “LIGHTED”!!?? Well, why compare Parliamentarians salary in to Doctors Pay??? Doctors aren’t Politicians, how come they aspire to “Legislators Pay”!!! Daisy Archie’s Jewels talk!!?

Asela Friday, 15 March 2024 07:33 PM

For doctors SL is a fertile ground to fleece the public after getting their free education at public expense. You can't do this in civilized countries.

STOP HALUCINATING AND GET A REALITY CHECK Saturday, 16 March 2024 10:08 AM

MAHILA IS HALUCINATING, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT PERKS CITIZENS AND PERMANANT RESIDENT VISA HOLDERS GET IN MOST COUNTRIES. NO DOCTORS OR ANYONE RETURN FOR THE REASONS YOU HAVE MENTIONED, THE ONLY FEW REASONS, MY VIEW DOCTORS WHO RETURN ARE THOSE RETIRED WHOSE CHILDREN ARE WELL SETTLED, ASSISTING IN CARING FOR GRANDCHILDREN IS OVER, 6 MTHS IN SRI LANKA AND BACK 6 MTHS COLLECTION THEIR PENSION AND REPEAT. THOSE GOING OVERSEAS TO COMPLETE DOCTORATE HAVE SIGNED TO RETURN BACK HOME AND IF THEY DO NOT PASS THE TEST HERE THEY HAVE NO OTHER CHANCE THAN TO RETURN AND OR THEY RETURN PAY UP HAVE A SHORT STAY WITH FAMILY AND BACK THEY GO TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM. DOCTORS AND PROFESSIONALS CAN DO PRIVATE WORK IN MOST FIELDS, DOCTORS WORK IN GOVT HOSPITALS AND WORK PRIVATELY FROM PRIVATE ROOMS. CHILD CARE IS SUBSIDISED, ANYONE NEEDING HELP PLENTY OF NOT FOR PROFIT ORGS, CHURCHES HELP WITH BASIC NEEDS, PAY BILLS ETC. FOOD BANKS ALL OVER GIVING OUT FREE GROCERIES AND OTHER BASIC NEEDS, THOSE WHO SEEK OUT

mila Wednesday, 13 March 2024 12:37 AM

they had to pay lot of tax and live in isolation in a Western country with a different culture. Sri lanka was not that bad they found our after living in these Western countries. Many don't need to leave Sri lanka but most are greedy and want to show off to others that they live outside of sri lanka. Life in Sri lanka is much better even with little money than to live with white Europeans who are most of the time racist. Most of these sri Lankan live in Western countries are not happy, but they won't say it. Indians are beaten and killed in these Western countries, and we also should be careful because we look like Indians too.

warren Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:22 PM

Well said. Many people do not understand the reality. Even with skilled migration, people find it difficult to find jobs in Australia, the UK, etc.

Truth is Bitter Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:39 AM

Doctors are very badly underpaid in this miracle land. Why does the Z score cut off is at highest for Medicine? Why is there a 1 year internship even after more than 5 year degree?? That's because it's the most responsible and difficult job. A doctor deals with lives, not paper, money or machines. For all the hardships a doctor faces during training and his whole carrier, the salary given by government is nothing... Anyway, those who hate Doctors for god knows what, I pity them.

What a turn over Wednesday, 13 March 2024 01:01 AM

These doctors are unable to get jobs in the UK. Thus they have to return. Their visas not extended in the UK.

Bandu Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:41 AM

But those that migrated will not return. Only those who go on post graduate studies may return but this will only be marginal to the shortage.

Nimal Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:15 AM

Why not give the figures, so that the people can understand the situation better? I think he is speaking about a storm in a tea cup.

Fouzan Ali Wednesday, 13 March 2024 06:07 AM

They didn't have work in New Zealand or Australia, only work they had was in petrol sheds

Doctor Who Friday, 15 March 2024 02:11 PM

What a load of bullshit. Get your facts right. Australia and New Zealand have a doctor shortage. If they have the right qualifications they have no problems.

Spartacus Wednesday, 13 March 2024 06:38 AM

They would have found Doctors work with a lot of ethics and responsibility in those countries rather than careless and greedy manner they work in Sri Lanka. Most of these Doctors would end up in Jail or there Doctorates cancelled in those countries if they were to do the rubbish they do here.

Might be a handful Returning Wednesday, 13 March 2024 06:43 AM

Any actual figures returned and where are they practicing now. If it were just a handful, it’s still in dire straits situation in government hospitals. Don’t believe, be around from 7am till 5pm daily and you’ll know how bad the situation is.

Wimal Wednesday, 13 March 2024 07:22 AM

Opportunists. Love for self not for country.

Jeanne Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:05 PM

Shut up Wimal - are you not an opportunist yourself? Would you say that you love your family more than you love your country? Stop being a drama queen.

Ram Wednesday, 13 March 2024 07:47 AM

Why not provide the numbers returned. Is this an eye wash to please the public that improved medical services are available now?

Raven Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:39 PM

They've returned because they now realize Ranil is slowly bringing this bankrupt country around. They've come to put their shoulders to the wheel. So no need to get shocked.

Gabriella Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:00 AM

Because certificates obtained in Bangladesh and Russia (whilst studying the language and medicine concurrently) are rightfully viewed in the West as not worth the paper they are printed on. The fact that these “doctors” who cannot qualify in the West are returning should be of grave concern.

welcome back home Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:39 PM

Correct. All the appointment etc coming ahead of ELECTIONS. As for Doctors returning, some maybe considering retirement 6 months back home and 6 months in the country the live in, as most countries permit citizens who have retired the above possibility and they still get their aged pensions. Children well settled overseas and or in Sri Lanka, so returning home and living a more life at a slow pace is probably appealing to those who return.

navratne willamune Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:35 AM

news items creating an image of prosperity in the country before elections.It is not easy to find good jobs abroad often have to do shift work for long hours with not much time for leasure or family life.cost of living is high child care is expensive.I have worked and lived for many years know whats going on

Dr. Navin Perers Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:37 AM

These are the returning Russian qualified doctors working as cleaners in foreign countries.

Terrence K Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:41 AM

Totally surprised that Sri Lankan qualified doctors are returning to the country. This maybe a misnormer since there are enough and more job opportunities for this segment of professionals overseas and it maybe medical impostors who are in the category of the author of the failed "PANIYA" during the covid fiasco!!!!!!

Balla Donkey Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:05 AM

Because they have no job

Shera Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:16 AM

Interesting. Why are they coming back?

Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:38 AM

Doctors can migrate but getting a job as a Doctor would be a challenging task. They may have to work as research assistants or pharmacy clerks even after passing the qualification exams in developed countries. It is better to be in your own country.

Bandu Thursday, 14 March 2024 04:52 AM

Do you personally know of anyone this has happened to?

Mohamed Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:57 AM

Our doctors don't practics is maintaining patents record to analyse the history. Just to escape from medical negligence. Only country in the world do not implement medical record system both in private and government. It's legal requirement in Western country, obviously they have to come back

Has Ranil achieved what he undertook? Wednesday, 13 March 2024 10:10 AM

Does this trend signals a confidence in the leader of Govt.? If that is so, Ranil has achieved what he started - i.e. reviving the nation.

sach Saturday, 16 March 2024 06:30 PM

Ranil got an economy in good shape in 2015, ruined it and brought it to the brink of bankruptcy by 2019.

Doctor Wednesday, 13 March 2024 10:19 AM

So so how many have returned? Give us the figures please. Still trying to mislead the majority of the people!!

Dee Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:18 AM

The JVP should use the diaspora funds to keep them overseas and make people suffer. Then if they win elections, bring ‘em back. Those who went overseas returning now is a bad sign.

Clifton Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:35 AM

I wonder why? Could be helpful to report on the reasons so that it’s something that we do to continuously attract our doctors home

They aren't able to work in Western country because they are outdated Wednesday, 13 March 2024 12:03 PM

Sri Lanka is outdated in medical science and technologies. Probably the older specialists and doctors find people don't trust them for being so out of date, so having to come back to here.

Doctor No Wednesday, 13 March 2024 01:29 PM

They are returning because they the government medical system is flawed, and they could easily fleece the public by showing their specialized medical qualifications.

Punchi Wednesday, 13 March 2024 02:29 PM

Bared from practicing- Lankan born Sydney Australian Dr Wijetunga's marriage disintegrated in 2019, his life began spiralling out of control - with the once-respected doctor eventually smoking and injecting crystal meth daily, taking ADHD drug Ritalin and using GHB fortnightly. Dr Wijetunga also went on a series of rampages, damaging property in several Sydney buildings, flooding a fire escape, vandalising a postal centre, being caught on drug driving offences, almost incinerating an apartment and walking around a carpark naked, the tribunal heard.

Cherath Wednesday, 13 March 2024 03:12 PM

Sounds very much like a personal opinion, if not being wishful. Once they have gone through a mountain of hard preparation and struggling with self financing until they get a foothold, why should they throw everything and return to a hell hole of corruption, murder, mayhem and disorganisation?

Jeanne Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:08 PM

Welcome back, Doctors. We are so grateful that you are back - whatever the reason may be. Sri Lanka needs you and we appreciate your service.

Gabriella Wednesday, 13 March 2024 10:09 PM

Yes, you will be able to get some much needed treatment.

Pin Gona 2 Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:12 PM

Some doctors from SL who migrated with the idea of earning the big buck are unable to pass their stringent practice exam in that country, failing the same they return to SL as patriots. LOL

Nimal perea Wednesday, 13 March 2024 04:44 PM

can we have the statistics, also doctores cant evade the tax like in sri lanka in other countires

Grace Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:19 PM

Mainly, those professionals who can't find jobs in the western countries work as taxi drivers and supermarkets employees with limited income and can't make ends meet. They are not returning whole heartedly but there is no other way.

Correction Thursday, 14 March 2024 04:56 AM

I am not sure this applies to doctors. They are all getting good jobs. Those returning are those who have gone on study leave after signing a bond to guarantee return.

Gunasekara Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:21 PM

Ministry statement must be given with a proof and actual numbers. If they can have a decent living in SriLanka considerable amount will return back after post graduate studies.sri Lanka is only looking after the politionsins and the administration people. Technocrats and medical staff does not have any place in SL

sam Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:31 PM

If CB staff can be paid without limits why not the doctors who are properly educated?

Mahila Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:45 PM

Because, they are "self-serving" lot, FREE education to MBBS and FREE Government Scholarships for Post Graduate Study, don't pay Taxes, have unlimited Private Practice!!!??? GET REAL!!?? Now the Public are well aware of the situation!!?? YOU all went away threatening if Pay wasn't increased as demanded; you wouldn't serve Sri Lanka Health!!?? Now after Reality check overseas - Taxes, working conditions and other family expenses as Children’s Education and Childcare, Transport, Vehicles, fuel, Cost have come back to SL!!?? NO MORE ANTICS OR RIP-OFFS!!?? NO STRIKES TOLERATED!? If not satisfied with Local conditions STAY AWAY OVERSEAS AND 'ENJOY LIFE'!!??

Just Another Citizen Wednesday, 13 March 2024 05:50 PM

When they realize, no private practice and you have to pay tax for everything.

Mura Raja Wednesday, 13 March 2024 07:27 PM

Whatever you want please do. But please don’t play with Medicine/ health , education and law

UK doctor. Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:06 PM

Allow all doctors whether they have dual citizenship or not to get registered with Sri Lankan medical council in order to practice in SL. I cannot understand why Sri Lankan qualified doctors with foreign citizenship not allowed to register. It’s pure JEALOUSY. The public suffer.

Rasika Wednesday, 13 March 2024 08:46 PM

Hey hey doctors turn around.... You are expecting to wirk in UK, Europe or Australia only end up paying massive taxes

Mahila Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:28 PM

What, Padeniya DOCTRINE FAILURE?? Thought, they had sought and accessed life with, 'Milk and Honey', flowing in plenty, instead of Low Salary, Allowances, Hard work without “family time” obtained in Poor Sri Lanka??? Won't come back to Sri Lanka for 20 years, until after retirement with a FAT pension in Foreign Currency!!?? All that vision in Smithereens!!?? Welcome Home to Realities of Life!!??

Lk Thursday, 14 March 2024 12:37 AM

Sri Lankan doctors are caught up in superiority complex as well. They want money and quick money they can make in western countries yet they are not respected as in sri Lanka. For them Sri Lanka is 100/times better than any other counties . In western countries they can make money but social life . But more facilities in hospital and surgeries unlike ours

Peter Thursday, 14 March 2024 04:25 AM

i agree with some of the comments above , living in Western country is now not possible specially for new migrant. Living in Australia has become difficult now as mortgages and rent keep increasing, people who paid 1000 dollar mortgage for a month two years ago now they have pay 3000 and they haveto slash down quality of life and take lots of stress to survive . familes skip meals and children come to school without food and Sri lanka is better place to live even with small income - most of them do not realise .

Amila Perera Thursday, 14 March 2024 06:02 AM

Doctors are doing odd jobs ( Cleaning, Fast food delivery, etc ) in those countries Coming back

Foot Note Thursday, 14 March 2024 06:54 AM

No numbers and details who intend to come back (may be after 35,000 increase) given in this piece.

DOT Thursday, 14 March 2024 07:03 AM

Consolation price only !

FredSnR Thursday, 14 March 2024 07:37 AM

Suggestion by UK Doctor above is worth investigating But welcome home all doctors all professionals whatever your reason for returning

Citizen A Thursday, 14 March 2024 07:52 AM

LK I have been living in a Western country for 30 years. There are some Sri Lankan migrants who are not happy, true. Being a professional I grabbed the first opportunity came my way work below my Sri Lanka status. However I worked very hard and made my way up ethically, didn’t experience any racism at my work places, am totally happy though I pay huge taxes even now . It’s how individuals take up challenges with a clear vision. Some advice to prospective migrants!

Bandu Thursday, 14 March 2024 08:18 AM

Just echo idiotic ministers comments. Where are the numbers how many doctors who left has returned?

Percy Wijenayake Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:34 AM

Sri Lankan doctors are very welcome in Western countries. However, they cannot have an easy time, make money and not be accountable . Also, the GMOA, does not register highly qualified foreigners to practice in Lanka as they do an honest job and not exploit the patient.

P. Wijenayake Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:49 AM

The only country with no medical ethics, where a patient goes direct to a specialist without a referral. The community are blind, because the patient is unaware the specialist has no medical history and treatment can be disastrous.

Citizens Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:53 AM

How many have returned?? Probably one! They can't be that mad to return to this hell hole after all the trouble they have taken to migrate!!

Joe Thursday, 14 March 2024 12:20 PM

Doctors quickly realised carrying a 20kg rice bag home on train by themselves is much harder than expediting the task to a minor staff member back in SL.

shan Friday, 15 March 2024 01:01 PM

No one will sue them in Sri Lanka

Abdur Razzak Friday, 15 March 2024 03:03 PM

Abroad life is not easy as they think

ANNECUNT Friday, 15 March 2024 04:58 PM

none of the doctors returned ,this is a BOGUS story

Ruben Huling Friday, 15 March 2024 11:13 PM

There is no demand for the Sri Lankan doctors in any civilized country. That is the truth, they have a gala time in Sri Lanka exploiting every citizen and make their fat bellies big and bigger. These are not real professionals, the nurses in the western countries are more qualified than MBBS doctors of Sri Lanka. They tried to hoodwink the government, threatening to leave their jobs for greener pastures. In reality, there aren't any western country to employ these book worms. That is why they have decided to return back.

Ceylonese Saturday, 16 March 2024 12:29 PM

This speaks volumes about the quality and standard of our Sri Lanka dctors who have failed in their bid to qualify to practice in a foreign country. In the good old days before the standard of educarion began to deteriorate in the nineties or so Sri Lankan doctors were very much in demand in countries like Australia Canada and the UK. Lack of English speakng skills is also another factor.

DOCTOR ALI Saturday, 16 March 2024 01:14 PM

We will NEVER RETURN as long as RAJAPAKSAS in sri-lanka

Ruben Huling Saturday, 16 March 2024 07:56 PM

Ali, stay where ever you are and continue to wash dishes or do night security or any other menial job you are doing now. Sri Lanka is better off without hoodlums any more hoodlums.

LOKUGE Saturday, 16 March 2024 06:33 PM

THIS IS NOT TRUE NONE OF THE DOCTOR IN U.K AND AUSTRALIA RETURNED. only the ones who went for higher studies returned as usual

KP Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:40 AM

Not even 1% of doctors have returned. Thousands of SL doctors have been very successful and respected in other countries for generations and have had no trouble working there. Doctor migration didn’t start today. It only got worse. Don’t think doctors go abroad without knowing the situation. All specialists have previously worked in foreign countries during their training. So, trying to convince doctors into believing that they are just as incompetent and unwanted as you, isn’t going to fly. They are not going to work for you for a pittance. Take your malicious lies and wishful thinking elsewhere.

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Migrated doctors return easing shortage concerns

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