The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has strongly condemned Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha’s recent statement, warning that if doctors leave the country, it will be up to government ministers to run hospitals, prescribe medicine, and even perform surgeries.
The controversy arose after the GMOA criticized the salary revisions in the 2025 budget, prompting Minister Lal Kantha to declare, “We will give more to those we want. We decide who we want to give less to. No one has the right to talk about it.”
Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the GMOA’s media spokesperson, demanded an immediate clarification from the government on whether Lal Kantha’s remarks reflect official policy. He accused the minister of promoting a “leave if you can’t stay” mentality, which could further worsen the brain drain of medical professionals from the country.
Dr. Wijesinghe also pointed out that while the Malima government claims to support policies that retain specialist doctors, general practitioners, and healthcare professionals, Lal Kantha’s statement contradicts this stance.
The GMOA warns that if doctors continue to leave due to poor policies, the responsibility for treating patients, running operating theatres, and managing outpatient departments will ultimately fall on politicians like Minister Lal Kantha.
