GMOA accuses specialist doctors of prioritising private hospitals while neglecting government duty hours, raising fresh questions about accountability in Sri Lanka’s public health system.
The Government Medical Officers Association has alleged that specialist doctors are spending more time and attention on private medical services rather than fulfilling their responsibilities in government hospitals. The accusation was made in response to questions from the media about why the Specialist Doctors Association has not extended its support to the ongoing trade union action launched by the GMOA.
Addressing the issue, GMOA Media Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said it was not surprising that specialist doctors were reluctant to back the strike. He claimed that many specialists now prefer private sector medical practice over public service and spend a significant portion of their working hours in private hospitals.
Dr. Wijesinghe alleged that the priorities of the Specialist Doctors Association appear to be aligned with protecting private medical sector operations rather than strengthening government health services. According to him, this imbalance directly affects patient care in state hospitals, particularly during periods of staff shortages and industrial action.
He further claimed that some specialists fail to complete the minimum number of hours required in government hospitals, despite drawing salaries and enjoying benefits attached to public sector service. Such practices, he said, undermine the integrity of the public healthcare system and place an unfair burden on general medical officers.
The GMOA spokesperson emphasised that the association remains committed to addressing long-standing professional issues affecting doctors in government service. He added that general practitioners across the country would continue to stand united with the GMOA in its efforts to protect public healthcare and ensure fairness, accountability, and proper service delivery within Sri Lanka’s health sector.
