APPOINT HEALTH MINISTER FORTHWITH: GMOA REQUESTS PRESIDENT

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday requested President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint a Health Minister immediately to prevent any disruption in health services.

Addressing a press briefing, GMOA Secretary Dr. Aluthge said the health sector was plunging with the healthcare portfolio falling vacant following the dissolution of the Cabinet.

On a different note, Dr. Aluthge appealed to the President to adopt a suitable national trade policy.

“Until such a policy is implemented, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Singapore should be halted. Also, the government taxing policy should be amended to avoid brain drain. Employers should retain professionals. This could be done by restructuring their salaries and other privileges which were suspended due to the former Health Minister’s arbitrary decisions. Amendments to the Medical Ordinance should be done following a broad study into the country’s health sector. The government will be able to prevent the establishment of substandard private medical colleges by gazetting the minimum qualification for medical education,” he said.

GMOA top officials are hoping to discuss the issues pertaining to the medical sector with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and relevant ministers.