Administrative slips irk Angoda Docs

Although SL has maintained high rankings in health indicators, it continues to show poor rankings in mental health indicators

Doctors yesterday threatened to bring the Angoda National Institute of Mental Health to a standstill for an indefinite period if the Health Ministry failed to appoint a permanent director for the hospital.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) addressing the media yesterday warned that the hospital was on the brink of administrative collapse, despite recommendations by several government committees to appoint a permanent director to it. GMOA Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Herath said the hospital was the key institution for mental health in the country and that irregularities in it would result in the further downward spiral in mental health services in the country.

“Although Sri Lanka has maintained high rankings in health indicators, the country continues to show poor rankings in mental health indicators due to a high prevalence of suicide, anxiety disorders and depression. Administrative problems would only further aggravate the problem,” Dr. Herath said.

The post of hospital chief had been filled by Acting Director and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Jayan Mendis since 2002. However Dr. Herath said the post should be filled by a permanent medical administrator.