Health & Well-being

Health services at cross roads as doctors convene emergency meeting

Sri Lanka’s health services are at a critical juncture as doctors prepare to convene an emergency General Committee meeting today (25), with several key decisions expected amid a deepening crisis.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa warned that the country’s hospital system could face severe disruption or even collapse within the coming week if urgent measures are not taken to resolve fuel and transport issues.

“The ongoing fuel shortage has made it increasingly difficult for medical staff to report for duty,” he said.

He pointed out that, unlike many other public sector employees, they are not provided with official transport or fuel allowances and are forced to bear high personal costs for daily travel, standby duties and emergency calls.

Dr Sugathadasa further noted that the QR-based fuel rationing system remains inadequate, with weekly allocations falling short of even basic commuting needs, adding that long hours spent in fuel queues have also cut into time meant for patient care.

The GMOA also expressed concern that authorities have failed to take meaningful action despite being alerted to the situation nearly a week ago, warning that essential health services cannot function without uninterrupted logistical support.

source: Daily Mirror