The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has refuted reports that there is a trend of medical officers who left the country due to various reasons now returning to Sri Lanka.

Following a recent statement made by the Deputy Director General (Medical Services) of the Ministry of Health Dr. G. Wijesuriya, there were reports that medical officers who migrated are currently returning to the country.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (1), GMOA Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that there is no such trend. “There is no reason for medical officers who left for other countries for employment to return to Sri Lanka. Although our health sector has made some progress recently, it is not hassle-free enough to entice those who left the country to return.”

He added that medical officers are still leaving the country in somewhat lower numbers, and that the authorities have failed to provide sustainable solutions to their issues. He also said that the recent reports concerning an alleged returning of medical officers could be due to the comeback of medical officers who left the country for their foreign training to become medical specialists, but that they are anyway required to return upon the completion of the relevant training. 

“Those who left for foreign training were not included in the brain drain related lists. They anyway have to come back and serve here.”

In recent years, the migration of Sri Lankan doctors has surged, driven by the unprecedented economic crisis and various professional challenges. The country's economic conditions have led to insufficient salaries, inadequate facilities, and limited opportunities for career advancement. Despite recent efforts to address some of these concerns, such as increasing allowances, many doctors continue to seek better prospects abroad.