Doctors leaving the country again creating strain on health system, expert warns

The renewed trend of young doctors migrating abroad instead of serving in Sri Lanka is creating growing challenges in maintaining healthcare services across both major and rural hospitals, National Professional and Civil Front Chairman, specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said that the continued departure of medical professionals—including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and young doctors who have qualified through foreign medical examinations—has resulted in increased pressure on doctors who remain in the country. As a result, many are now required to take on additional duties beyond their normal workload.

He warned that the shortage of medical personnel is now affecting the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, including at major institutions such as the Colombo National Hospital. He added that as patient numbers per doctor continue to rise, the public is increasingly facing difficulties in accessing timely and quality care under the free healthcare system.

Dr. Sanjeewa further said that while some doctors and specialists who previously left the country are reportedly willing to return, delays in reappointments by the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Health have discouraged their return. According to him, this has led some professionals to either remain abroad or shift to private sector employment instead of rejoining the state health service.

Source - Dailymirror