Sri Lanka’s public health sector faces growing turmoil as the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) demands urgent reforms to fix transfer list violations, economic instability, and systemic inefficiencies. A new joint committee aims to draft a roadmap for retaining doctors and restoring order.
Press Release
Irregularities in Medical Transfer Lists and Discussion with the Minister of Health
A discussion was held between the new Executive Council of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at the Ministry of Health on August 1.
Several key issues affecting doctors, the medical sector, and the public health service were discussed at this meeting.
Particular attention was paid to the unnecessary, problematic, and conflict-ridden atmosphere created by the Ministry of Health concerning the transfer of doctors.
Although the Establishment Code, the procedural rules of the Public Service Commission, and the circulars issued by the Ministry of Health clearly outline the proper methodology for preparing doctor transfer lists, several issues have arisen due to violations of these guidelines. The following problems were presented to the Minister and the committee:
- A nine-month delay in issuing the 2025 annual transfer list for doctors
- Arbitrary and illegal removal of 78 vacancies from the 2025 transfer list, resulting in unfair treatment of many doctors
- Preparation of a vacancy list for the attachment of post-intern doctors in violation of Public Service Commission regulations and without Transfer Board approval
- Failure to hold Special Appeal Transfer Boards in a timely manner
- Arbitrary curtailment of the list of difficult service areas for doctors
- A delay of over one and a half years in publishing the difficult service area list
- Inefficient and unprofessional conduct by the Director of Medical Services, who continues to act in violation of accepted procedures and legal norms
These issues were discussed extensively.
In light of the crisis in the transfer system, there is a noticeable trend of doctors leaving the public service.
Other major concerns were also raised with the Minister, including the need to ensure doctors’ financial stability, resolve transportation issues, expand access to postgraduate education, and implement the grade promotion system effectively. Several decisions were made regarding the next steps to address these concerns.
The Minister agreed to intervene positively to resolve the issues arising from the transfer system for grade doctors.
On the Minister’s instructions, a committee comprising Health Ministry officials and representatives from the GMOA was appointed. Its task is to prepare a report for discussion with the Treasury to develop a sustainable and time-bound program aimed at ensuring the financial stability of doctors and retaining them within the public health service.
A formal complaint will also be lodged with the Public Service Commission concerning the Director of Medical Services, whose inefficient actions have seriously disrupted the transfer system in violation of established laws and procedures.
We expect the Minister to announce his proposed solutions regarding the transfer issues within the next few days. An emergency central committee meeting of the GMOA is scheduled for Tuesday (05.08.2025) to discuss and decide on further action based on the Minister’s announcement and the nature of the solutions proposed.
In preparation for this meeting, all branch union meetings across the country are scheduled for Monday (04.08.2025). The decisions and views collected at these meetings will be considered at Tuesday’s emergency session.
Although the current government policy promotes transparency, adherence to accepted procedures, and collective decision-making, the GMOA suspects that certain Health Ministry officials are deliberately undermining this policy to discredit the Minister and the government.
We sincerely hope the Minister of Health will fulfill his responsibility to protect and empower doctors within the public service so that high-quality, free healthcare services can be delivered throughout the country. The GMOA reiterates its commitment to offering constructive support in achieving this goal.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Prabhat Sugathadasa
Secretary
