The Government Specialist Doctors Association has revealed that the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic at the National Hospital of Colombo is currently facing a serious crisis in conducting examinations, providing treatment, and issuing medical reports due to a 60 percent shortage of doctors. As a result, patients suffering from ENT-related illnesses are experiencing significant inconvenience.
According to the Association, the clinic previously had three specialist doctors, and the current crisis emerged following the retirement of one specialist. Although another doctor has been assigned to the clinic, doctors state that medical services have been reduced by nearly 60 percent. They further pointed out that the clinic is also facing a shortage of senior medical officers.
Due to this situation, patients attending the clinic have reportedly been left waiting for several weeks, with many being forced to return without receiving treatment.
When Aruna inquired into the matter, a specialist doctor from the Government Specialist Doctors Association stated that an ENT specialist from another hospital is expected to be assigned to the clinic in the near future. However, the doctor added that no clear solution has yet been identified regarding the shortage of grade doctors.
