March 21, Colombo (LNW): Contrary to assertions made by the Health Ministry regarding the repatriation of migrated doctors to Sri Lanka, recent statistical data presents a starkly different reality, revealing a minimal influx of only five specialists returning to the country this year.
The initial claim, put forth by Deputy Director General (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya, lacked substantiation with concrete statistics, thereby inviting skepticism, particularly in light of the discrepancy evident in the data.
Dr. Wijesuriya, amidst scrutiny, maintained a stance suggesting a reversal in the trend of doctors, especially those pursuing postgraduate training abroad, opting to return to Sri Lanka.
He remarked, “Though not in significant numbers, we are witnessing a gradual return of migrated doctors to the country.”
However, the factual representation stands in contrast to this assertion. Merely a handful of specialists, including a Gynaecologist (VOG), Surgeon, Anaesthetist, Pediatrician, and Ophthalmologist, have indeed returned, indicating a marginal shift rather than a substantial repatriation.
In response to this situation, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), expressed skepticism, contending that the return of five specialists cannot be construed as a significant improvement, particularly considering the substantial exodus of doctors witnessed last year.
According to available statistics, nearly 450 specialists have migrated since the latter part of 2022, with an additional 785 specialists slated to depart overseas for further training.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ashoka Gunaratne, media spokesperson for the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS), voiced apprehension regarding the escalating trend of medical professionals migrating abroad.
He emphasised that the AMS had not observed any notable influx of specialists returning to the country.
Dr. Gunaratne further criticised the Health Ministry for making generalised statements on such a crucial issue without providing transparent and substantiated data to support their claims.
