Despite repeated government calls for Sri Lankan doctors abroad to return home and serve, both the Ministry of Health and Public Service Commission are blocking their reappointment. Medical union leaders slam the policy as short-sighted and call for a general amnesty to reinstate doctors who want to return, especially as the health sector faces growing challenges.
Doctors who previously left Sri Lanka or exited the public health service are finding it nearly impossible to return to work, as both the Ministry of Health and the Public Service Commission show reluctance to reinstate them, according to Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union.
Dr. Sanjeewa noted that several doctors and specialists who had either migrated or resigned for various reasons have expressed their willingness to return. However, the Ministry of Health has stated these professionals are considered to have officially left the service, and any reappointment would require special approval from the Public Service Commission.
In response, the Commission has informed those doctors that they cannot be reinstated due to an excess number of currently employed medical professionals compared to the approved staff cadre. This stance has created a bureaucratic wall for doctors seeking to rejoin and contribute to the country’s health sector once again.
Ironically, this comes despite the Ministry of Health repeatedly urging in Parliament that overseas doctors should return to strengthen the national healthcare system. Dr. Sanjeewa called this contradictory and deeply regrettable, especially at a time when the healthcare system is under pressure.
He also emphasized that it would be a timely and effective measure to announce a general amnesty period, allowing doctors within the eligible age limit to rejoin the service without unnecessary red tape. Such a move, he argued, could significantly ease the current strain on the healthcare system while utilizing trained professionals who are already willing to serve.
