The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has summoned specialist doctors from across Sri Lanka this week for urgent consultations on the proposed 2026 national budget, raising alarms over potential impacts on the country’s free healthcare system.
In a statement, the GMOA said the budget “appears to undermine the resilience of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, pushing it toward collapse,” citing salary cuts, removal of tax relief, and lack of allowances as key concerns for medical professionals.
Specialist doctors, who manage high-risk responsibilities across multiple hospitals, reportedly continue to operate without transport or fuel allowances, often spending more than half their income to reach remote facilities. The GMOA warned that such financial and logistical pressures could accelerate the brain drain of skilled healthcare professionals, further straining public health services.
The association also criticized the Health Ministry for urging overseas-trained specialists to return, while simultaneously cutting benefits for those already serving locally. Cases have emerged where returning specialists face obstacles such as denied school enrollment for their children, highlighting systemic gaps in support.
“If these short-sighted policies continue, Sri Lanka’s globally respected free healthcare system risks irreversible decline,” the GMOA said, emphasizing that sustained service quality and workforce retention are under threat.
As a response, all specialist doctors nationwide have been called to the GMOA headquarters in Colombo on Friday, November 14, to discuss a coordinated strategy, including potential service disruptions and trade union actions. The GMOA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both the rights of medical professionals and the integrity of free healthcare.
(Source :dailymirror.lk)
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