SL’s health sector has now plunged to a new low – GMOF

Sri Lanka’s health sector has plunged to its lowest depths since independence. It’s an absolute failure and a big disappointment all round, says the Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF).

“It should be realized even at this late stage that what’s crucial to put the house in order are not military medals, but hands-on administrative experience”, the trade union’s president, Dr. Rukshan Bellana said.

The deterioration all round is evident over the past 10 months with Covid-19 control falling short of expectations, drugs in short supply coupled with hospital services in terms of quality care at a low ebb and a breakdown in discipline especially among minor workers, the GMOF said in a statement.

The healthcare workforce is demotivated due to lack of proper leadership. This has resulted in those down the line not working with 100% commitment, it said.

Incompetence at the highest level has led to the creation of an environment of whipping boys and fall guys. The first ‘victim’ of this set up was Dr. Anil Jasinghe and the latest was Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva, it noted.

Moving out these two experienced medical administrators is an irreparable loss to the country’s health system. At a time Sri Lanka is fighting a raging pandemic, their services are invaluable in bringing the situation under control, the statement further said.

Edging out competent professionals who are a threat to round pegs in square holes seems to be the order of the day. That’s how those who bluff their way through continue to safeguard their positions, the GMOF asserted.