GMOA Raises Concerns Over Disputed Difficult-Service List for Doctors

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says concerns over the preparation of the difficult-service list for doctors have led to legal proceedings and disrupted aspects of the medical transfer process.

The concerns were raised at a GMOA media briefing, where association representatives said the organisation had requested to be consulted during the preparation of the list but that its request had not been followed.

Dr. Ajanta Rajakaruna, a member of the GMOA’s Media Committee, said two doctors who believed they had been treated unfairly had taken the matter to court. He said the court had subsequently issued an interim restraining order in connection with the matter.

Rajakaruna added that a number of doctors had been adversely affected by the situation and that the association would take steps to represent their interests.

GMOA Points to Impact on Medical Transfers

GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the availability of doctors was essential to maintaining a health service that operates around the clock.

He explained that the transfer process plays an important role in ensuring adequate medical staffing across hospitals and other healthcare institutions, particularly in difficult-to-serve areas.

According to Wijesinghe, the preparation of the difficult-service list requires careful consideration of multiple factors. However, he alleged that the latest list had been prepared arbitrarily, prompting objections and legal action.

He said the GMOA had also been named as a party in the court proceedings and had taken steps to participate in the case.

Court Orders and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Wijesinghe stated that two interim orders had been issued and that a decision had been taken to suspend the difficult-service list in question.

He said the situation had created complications in the medical transfer process and had adversely affected some doctors.

The association indicated that the matter remained subject to ongoing court proceedings.

The dispute highlights concerns about the process used to identify difficult-service placements and the potential consequences for doctors’ transfers and staffing arrangements within the public healthcare system.