Health sector heading for crisis due to multiple challenges: Doctors’ Union

The Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has warned that Sri Lanka’s health sector is heading towards a serious crisis due to multiple challenges, including shortages of doctors and other healthcare personnel, lack of essential equipment, poor maintenance, and insufficient raw materials for laboratory and other services.

Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa told the media that the Health Ministry has remained silent on corruption allegations highlighted in the Auditor General’s report, while deeper administrative failures continue to threaten the country’s free healthcare system.

He also highlighted critical shortages of several categories of medicines, including cancer drugs, which he said are severely impacting patient care.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the retirement of a significant number of specialists and doctors this year, coupled with disparities in recruitment and distribution of human resources, has further worsened the situation.

He pointed out that key administrative positions, including Director General posts in several hospitals such as the National Hospital of Colombo, remain vacant, undermining effective decision-making and management within the health system.

Dr. Sanjeewa said weak administration across hospitals is a major concern, noting that the failure of authorities to make timely and proper decisions is pushing the system towards a dangerous state.

He further charged that the lack of action on corruption allegations raised by the Auditor General is a serious issue, warning that failure to conduct proper investigations could erode public trust.

The specialist also criticised the administration of key institutions, including the Medical Supplies Division and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, stating that weaknesses in governance have increased the risk of corruption and fraud.

source: Daily Mirror