Sri Lanka Revamps Medical Training and Allowances Amid Growing Concerns
The Sri Lankan government is preparing to overhaul its medical system by addressing critical issues surrounding doctors’ allowances, internship pathways, and cadre lists. This initiative comes after Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni announced steps to tackle a backlog of nearly 2,000 medical interns during a recent parliamentary session.
In response to Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s concerns about outdated allowances and rules, Wijemuni revealed plans to revise current compensation and working conditions for medical officers. Currently, medical administrators receive a meager Rs 6,000 allowance, while a Rs 70,000 Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance seems insufficient against the backdrop of rising living costs.
Addressing Internship Backlogs
An alarming backlog exists, with about 2,500 medical graduates—including international degree holders—awaiting internship placements, while over 2,000 post-internship doctors struggle to secure permanent appointments. To address this, Wijemuni’s office is considering introducing overlapping training placements to expedite the process, pending necessary approvals from the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
“We are currently discussing a fixed allowance for specialist doctors as a pilot initiative, aiming for implementation within this year, before expanding the model to other medical professionals,” stated Wijemuni.
Revising Cadre Structures for Better Clarity
Part of the government’s plan includes assessing long-established caps on extra duty hours that limit doctors to six hours per day and 120 hours per month. The Ministry is now considering the possibility of increasing these hours based on the productivity of individual hospital units.
Despite recognising cadre shortages as a significant issue, Wijemuni assured that a special committee has drafted a revised cadre structure to be discussed with the Ministry of Finance. The government aims to restrict unapproved hospital units, ensuring that new creations follow a more structured and statutory approach.
Upcoming Legislative Changes
Legislative amendments to the medical ordinances and regulations are also on the horizon, with Wijemuni promising to present these changes to Parliament soon. The overarching goal is to modernize the medical profession in Sri Lanka, ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately supported, trained, and recognized for their vital contributions to society amid growing public expectations.
As Sri Lanka’s health sector undergoes these essential reforms, the government’s proactive approach could reinvigorate medical education and ultimately enhance healthcare services in the nation. The stakes are high, as the well-being of future generations directly hinges on the ability of the current system to adapt and evolve.