Howls of protests over attempts to dissolve SLMC
Rational SLMA steps in to offer ‘a facilitator forum’ for all stakeholders to discuss amendments to Medical Ordinance on composition of SLMC Competent Authority suggestion a “conspiracy”, say doctors
Astorm has erupted over “controversial” attempts by “those with vested interests” to dissolve the crucial Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), following the resignation of its President Prof. Colvin Goonaratna.
This cannot and should not be done, was the general consensus with only a very few dissenting voices. There was also a major outcry against “manipulative” attempts to scrap the SLMC and substitute it with a Competent Authority comprising 12 to 16 members.
The necessity is not to dissolve the SLMC but to set about diligently to amend the Medical Ordinance and bring about a fair balance in the composition of the SLMC to serve its aims to safeguard the interests of the patients, was the view of a cross section of doctors, both specialists and juniors. (See graphic for SLMC composition)
The other side of the coin is that while the SLMC needs to look after the interests of the patients, it also has a responsibility to protect those registered under it from spurious, fake and malicious allegations, after an impartial inquiry of course, other sources pointed out.
“The proposal to set up a Competent Authority is a well-planned conspiracy,” said several doctors, adding that these moves are also to pave the way for longterm changes in medical education.
A voice of reason comes from the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the apex body representing all grades of doctors in both the state and private sectors. While expressing concern about the current situation, the SLMA has offered to provide a ‘facilitator forum’ to sort out issues.
Conceding that the composition of the SLMC needs revision to protect the interests of the public, while preserving professional self-regulation and the efficiency of the healthcare system, the SLMA headed by Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa, on behalf of the SLMA council has suggested:
Ensuring the continuity of the functions of the SLMC to provide academic, professional and ethical leadership to the medical, dental and other healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka.
Reviewing the Medical Ordinance (Chapter 105) to ensure a specific focus on the composition of the SLMC.
To achieve these objectives, the SLMA has proposed that a Committee comprising all stakeholders be set up to facilitate the consideration and identification of the issues pertaining to the Medical Ordinance and propose solutions in a timely manner.
“The SLMA is willing to provide a facilitator forum to the functioning of the proposed Committee,” Dr. Haniffa stated.
The Sunday Times understands that organizations such as the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS), in fact have requested the SLMA to do so.
After resigning from his post on July 31, SLMC President Prof. Goonaratna told the media on August 3 that of the 25-member SLMC, 16 or 2/3rds were from trade unions (TUs) – from the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Deans from the respective Faculties of Medicine Teachers’ Associations.
Taking up cudgels against allegations that the Deans of the eight state medical faculties are part of TUs, many indignant sources said the Deans were elected to represent the Faculty Boards of the eight state universities. There was absolutely no justification in lumping them as representing TUs.
Others strongly condemned the “blatant lies” which had allegedly been stated by Prof. Goonaratna that the SLMC had not been taking any action against doctors or that there had been no momentum from within the SLMC to initiate amendments to the Medical Ordinance.
They cited several instances when amendments to the Medical Ordinance had been suggested and also introduced. In the last couple of years, the SLMC has taken action in the form of suspension from the SLMC’s registers at least five doctors, one of whom is quite high level.
There is also a robust discussion within the SLMC on the urgent amendments needed to the Medical Ordinance, they added.
Others strongly condemned the “blatant lies” which had allegedly been stated by Prof. Goonaratna that the SLMC had not been taking any action against doctors or that there had been no momentum from within the SLMC to initiate amendments to the Medical Ordinance.