SJB slams Govt. for failing to prevent mass exodus of doctors 

SJB Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahuman 

• Claims Ministry of Health has done nothing to retain medical professionals 
• Raises concerns that Govt. plans to privatise health sector 
• Accuses Minister of only being interested in purchase and sale of drugs

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahuman yesterday slammed the Government for failing to prevent the mass exodus of medical professionals from the country amidst the ongoing economic crisis. Addressing a press conference at the Opposition leader’s office, Rahuman said the Government has done nothing to prevent the concerning trend. 

“We hear 830 medical professionals and 274 specialist doctors have already left the country. 23 doctors attending to emergency treatments have also left the country. Other professionals with links to the medical sector have also immigrated to other countries. What has the Ministry of Health done regarding this? They have done nothing,” Rahuman alleged. 

Instead, Rahuman said the Ministry is now announcing it intends to take action in the near future in order to retain the country’s medical professionals and also against those who left. 

“Were they not aware of this before yesterday?” he asked. Rahuman said the Ministry and relevant officials have also failed to address the various difficulties and issues faced by medical professionals. “They did not even hold the discussion on the matter with them,” he claimed. 

Slamming the Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Rahuman said the people have never witnessed the Minister visiting a hospital or holding discussions with relevant trade unions or experts. “We have not even seen him making any appointments,” he said. “We have only seen him carrying out emergency purchases. He only works with the SPC and the NMRA” he added.

Rahuman noted the many drugs and equipment as well as staff shortages in the health sector. He indicated that the shortages are among the reasons prompting professionals to leave the country. 

“There is immense pressure on those who are working. At times duties carried out by 10 are being conducted by one. But there is no recognition or appreciation. The authorities are more concerned about the purchase and sale of medicinal drugs,” he said. 

He voiced his suspicions that the Government might be contemplating the privatisation of the health sector. Rahuman said this assumption arises from the President’s apparent disinterest in effectively tackling the numerous issues within it, along with the allegations of corruption.