The Health Ministry is preparing to recall retired specialist doctors back to service with all facilities in order to address a shortage of personnel at state-hospitals.
Deputy director general of health services G. Wijesuriya has told Neth News the decision has been taken on the short-term under three categories.
Speaking to the media yesterday (18), he also explained the situation at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, since the retirement of its cardiologist.
Director of the Karapitiya Hospital Dr. Udesh Ranga said surgeries cannot take place yet as a specialist has been posted on an acting capacity only for clinical duties.
5,000 doctors to leave country - GMOA
Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) warned that around 5,000 qualified doctors are likely to leave the country for jobs overseas.
Its spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe urged the government to take speedy steps to address the issue.
He also said that more than 250 doctors with post-internship appointments have decided to leave the system.
