The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you very much for this opportunity.

¶ 02 I think this is a very reasonable proposal. I know that this matter was discussed several times in the past at various forums, but nothing materialized. So, this is the right time to discuss this matter and find a favourable solution to the problem through this Parliament. As of now, we have discussed in detail the granting of benefits for medical officers as well as others under the Ministry of Health because that will help prevent the brain drain in this country and develop our health system.

¶ 03 Therefore, it is our duty to discuss with the various Colleges and the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine to develop this as an uninterrupted service of medical officers and appoint them as middle-level medical officers under the Ministry of Health. These medical officers have been working in hospitals for a long time with enough skills and experience obtained under very experienced consultants. So, their service is very much helpful to this nation and we have to create this middle-level medical officers’ grade. After discussing with the Department of Management Services, we have to create a Service Minute for them and thereafter, appoint them as middle-level medical officers. That will also help us appoint them to divisional hospitals as officers in charge so that they can offer their service to the people in the rural areas. So, it is very much appreciated if it could be implemented. With that, we could also prevent people from going to urban hospitals for treatment. We can appoint a committee to discuss this matter and find a favourable solution to this problem, to appoint them as middle-level medical officers. Our Government will take necessary actions to solve this problem as soon as possible.

¶ 04 Thank you very much.