Sri Lanka's Healthcare System Faces Challenges Amidst Power Struggles and Brain Drain

The recent election of Dr. Sanjeewa Thennakoon as the President of the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has come at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka's healthcare system. The association, which has been plagued by power struggles and internal conflicts, is now facing renewed public scrutiny and institutional pressure. Amidst these challenges, the GMOA is pushing for reform of the public healthcare system, which has been battered by an economic downturn and widespread workforce migration.

Key Takeaways:

• The GMOA has faced allegations of being a "boys club" due to the lack of women in key positions within the association. However, the association has taken steps to address this issue, with one female member in the executive committee and two females in the general committee.
• Safety and security concerns for female doctors have been a pressing issue, with numerous incidents of sexual and physical abuse reported within hospital premises. The GMOA is establishing a special committee to address this matter and has requested the police to set up posts within hospitals.
• The association has also expressed concern over the lack of proper protocols for security measures in hospitals, including the control of minor staff and allegations of drug peddling.
• The GMOA has taken a neutral stance on the recent government decision regarding the KDU, but has emphasized the importance of ensuring that any degree program is under the purview of the SLMC.
• The association has expressed support for a proposal to impose a mandatory number of years for doctors to work in the government sector before going abroad, but has emphasized the need for attractive remuneration and suitable work environment to prevent brain drain.
• The GMOA sees the next few years as an opportunity to address the brain drain and collaborate with the state to improve the healthcare system. The association has been receptive to the engagement of the new government, which has been positive about restructuring the existing administrative system.

Statistics:

• 1 female member in the executive committee and 2 females in the general committee.
• Security concerns for female doctors have been reported in various parts of the country, including Jaffna, Anuradhapura, and Galle.
• The GMOA has requested the police to set up posts within hospitals to address security concerns.
• There are allegations of drug peddling and lack of proper protocols for security measures in hospitals.

Sources:

• Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)
• Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka).