The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has issued a serious warning that around 7,000 doctors in Sri Lanka are likely to leave the country if the 2025 Budget does not address their demands for higher salaries, better allowances, and the reinstatement of vehicle permits. According to Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, Secretary of the GMOA, approximately 2,000 doctors have already migrated to work abroad, and another 5,000 have obtained foreign passports, signaling their readiness to leave if their concerns are not met.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo, Dr. Sugathadasa highlighted that the ongoing dissatisfaction among doctors stems from a lack of recognition for their contributions, inadequate financial incentives, and logistical challenges that make it increasingly difficult to continue practicing in the country. He stressed that if the government does not take decisive action through the upcoming Budget Policy, public hospitals across Sri Lanka will face a severe shortage of medical professionals, jeopardizing the country’s healthcare system.
The GMOA has formally submitted a proposal for the 2025 Budget, emphasizing the urgent need to implement policies that would encourage doctors to remain in the country while ensuring the sustainability of the free healthcare system. The proposal outlines key demands, including the introduction of a special salary structure for doctors based on qualifications, experience, and market value. The GMOA argues that such a structure would not only retain doctors but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare services in the country.
Another major concern raised by the GMOA is the lack of adequate transportation benefits for medical professionals. The association is calling for the integration of Circular 22/99, which currently provides transportation facilities for executive officers in the public sector, to include all categories of doctors. Additionally, they are urging the government to establish a structured mechanism to address the practical challenges faced by doctors in receiving the additional duty allowance.
Dr. Sugathadasa also stressed the importance of updating the living allowance provided to postgraduate-trained doctors during their overseas training programs. The GMOA is requesting an increase in the monthly stipends for intern doctors, as well as a revision of the current promotion system, which they claim contains significant discrepancies that hinder career progression.
Another key aspect of their proposal is the reintroduction of duty-free vehicle import permits for professionals, including doctors. The GMOA argues that reinstating these permits would provide a much-needed incentive for doctors to remain in the country, especially given the high costs associated with purchasing a vehicle under the existing tax structure.
Furthermore, the association has called for the discontinuation of the pension system for all public servants, including doctors, arguing that a revised retirement benefits system would be more effective in addressing the long-term financial stability of government employees.
The GMOA maintains that without these critical reforms, Sri Lanka’s healthcare system will struggle to retain its medical professionals, leading to an escalating crisis in public hospitals. The association warns that a mass exodus of doctors could have devastating consequences, including longer waiting times for patients, increased pressure on remaining medical staff, and a decline in overall healthcare standards across the country.
The government is expected to review the GMOA’s proposals as part of the 2025 Budget discussions. However, if their demands are not met, the country could witness an unprecedented wave of medical professionals seeking employment abroad, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the national healthcare system.
