Unresolved dearth of medical specialists could be fatal blow to state health system

The final count is in and it bodes ill for the thousands of humble men, women and children who seek medical treatment at state hospitals across the country.

Sri Lanka is facing a dearth of around 790 medical specialists, the finalised 2023 Annual Transfer List shows, the Sunday Times learns, while between 2017 and 2021, the average shortfall was only around 400.

State hospitals of all categories would be hamstrung by this “major” dearth which is due to the flood-like brain drain of medical specialists (who are going abroad in search of greener pastures or moving to the private sector). This would be further exacerbated if the retirement of those between 60 and 63 years of age, is implemented, pushing the shortfall to 1,021, it is learnt.

While in the grip of a major shortage of medicines, consumables and devices, experts warned that these factors could very well sound the death knell to Sri Lanka’s muchlauded state health system.

No solutions are being found by the Health Ministry, many lamented, pointing out that protests have erupted across the country over this very issue and many have put forward plans on how to infuse life into the system, but no one seems to care.

Doctors unions, however, assured that they are in discussion with the Presidential Secretariat and the Treasury to mitigate the brain drain and safeguard the state health sector.

Experts also suggested “balancing out” the medical specialist shortage by not enforcing the 60+ retirement age for the state health service, so that the Health Ministry could take stock and bring in more permanent solutions.

The Sunday Times has reported on this crisis with evidence-based numbers to show the imminent danger the state health sector is in.

“Remember, we are still struggling with the 2023 (this year’s) Annual Transfer List even though we are in the last two months of the year,” stressed a senior doctor, critical of “all talk and no action” on the part of the Health Ministry as well as the government.

Next year (2024) would be gloomier than this year, the doctor reiterated, adding that urgent measures including retaining the 60+ medical specialists who are due to go home on retirement are needed.

The final count of the confirmed 2023 Annual Transfer List is as follows, while also taking into consideration the end-post (non-transferable) list:

• The number of medical specialists in the state health sector currently – 1,935

• The usual vacancies experienced by the country – Around 400

• Vacant posts for medical specialists due to migration or joining the private sector – 386 • The number of medical specialists who fall into the 60-63 years category and face retirement, if rule is implemented – 305 (this includes 70 who would reach 63 years next year and have to retire and 235 between 60+ and 62 years who may have to retire if the 60+ rule is enforced)

• The total medical specialist vacancies including those retiring at 63+ years – 400 + 386 + 70 = 856

• The total medical specialist vacancies including those retiring at 60+ (if the rule is implemented) – 400 + 386 + 305 = 1,091