The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) alleged yesterday (6) that specialist medical posts have been removed from several hospitals across the country.

GMOA President, Consultant Dr. Sanjeewa Thennakoon claimed that political interference has also influenced the transfers of grade medical officers.

He noted that while the national requirement for specialist doctors stands at around 3,000, only approximately 2,100 are currently in service.

Dr. Thennakoon further alleged that steps are being taken to shut down certain units within national hospitals. He stated that a decision has reportedly been made to close the Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital.

He also claimed that specialist positions in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka have been abolished. In addition, an extra specialist medical unit at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children has reportedly been closed.

According to him, steps have also been taken to remove the specialist post at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, while a specialist unit at the OPD of the District General Hospital Vavuniya is also being removed due to political interference.

He warned that these developments could lead to an increase in the number of specialist doctors leaving the country.

Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, responding to the allegations, told The Daily Morning that he would need to look into the concerns regarding specialist posts.

He stated that between 6,000 and 7,000 doctors had received transfer orders, the majority of whom were willing to comply.

“However, a small group, including some affiliated with the GMOA, was unwilling to move. They disrupted the entire system and delayed the entire transfer process. We have now issued dates for all those who have received transfer orders to report to their new postings. By 8 May, everyone is to be transferred to their designated stations,” he said.

He added that the transfers had been approved by the relevant transfer boards, in which GMOA representatives had also participated.

“Many of these were approved even before the National People’s Power came into power, including transfers issued prior to 2024 and some from last year (2025). What we are doing now is implementing those decisions. We are also arranging replacements in a manner that does not create shortages in hospitals. These are doctors whose transfers had been delayed for a long time,” he added.