With nearly 2,000 doctors having left Sri Lanka over the past five years and many more seeking opportunities abroad, maintaining essential specialist medical clinics has become increasingly challenging, placing the nation’s healthcare system at risk. Colombo District Candidate Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa from the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya voiced concerns over the shortage of doctors, which threatens the stability of both rural and urban hospitals.
Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted that many hospitals currently operate with inadequate staffing, a situation exacerbated by the Treasury’s reluctance to approve necessary staffing increases, further impacting the healthcare sector’s capacity.
He attributed the ongoing exodus of medical professionals to longstanding issues, including the failure of previous administrations to provide adequate salaries to temporary healthcare workers. Dr. Sanjeewa emphasized the urgent need for policies to address salary disparities in the health sector, urging swift action following the upcoming general election.
