The Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media

¶ 01 [6.19 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, first, I thank Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna. In the medical field, once a doctor joins service, he has the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree, but he must make many sacrifices—especially doctors outside Colombo face many obstacles because they have to come to the city. Even after crossing that hurdle, there are many more. Often, our system has not created proper acceptance pathways. Many consultants work essentially alone, running their own wards.

¶ 03 From the perspective of other doctors, after four years they get a good appointment, but then they are moved elsewhere—one appointment in Orthopaedics, next in Eye, next in ENT, then in Maternity. Even so, they work with high capacity and skill. Such a system is rarely seen globally. Usually, worldwide practice is to allow doctors to continue in their preferred field and build the educational background needed for that. We can use PGIM and our universities—PGIM is in Colombo, and now also in Galle and Peradeniya; we can expand to other places where facilities exist.

¶ 04 As a Government, we think those working in hospitals should not only earn money; they should also earn credit points while working. Then when they go home at the end of the day, they have not only income but also academic credit. Through such a mechanism, we can establish a middle-grade or intermediate cadre. There are many discussions among our doctors; I have discussed this in the Ministry. Even previously, these discussions were held. They have identified four fields—anaesthesia, ICU, neurosurgery and cardiothoracic—for piloting such cadres. I have spoken with the relevant Colleges and reached agreement in principle; they are willing to create such cadres in those areas.

¶ 05 We have also discussed with PGIM, though not reached a firm conclusion yet, including on cadre structures. After our Government took office, we appointed a small committee and continue discussions. We firmly believe this must be established. This poses no threat to anyone; it brings benefits—raising the qualification levels of treating doctors, easing the hospital system and our Ministry’s work. Many doctors are dissatisfied due to lack of career development; this will improve their job satisfaction. We will definitely take this forward.

¶ 06 Regarding PGIM trainees, they face severe difficulties—working long hours, akin to the old house officer days, and then having to travel far for the next rotation. Even the basic question of where their homes are is not considered adequately. There are measures we can take with and without funds. For instance, they need not come to the Ministry every month from Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy and so on, just for administrative signatures; the hospital Director knows who they are and whether they are actually on duty. We can streamline these processes without extra cost and reduce unnecessary hassles. It is painful to see trainees lingering at the Ministry for routine matters.

¶ 07 We must also certainly provide accommodation—quarters—for PGIM trainees. If we cannot provide Government quarters, we should hire external accommodation and provide it. We can supply such facilities from the Ministry and will take necessary steps. As for their overtime allowance issue, we cannot resolve that purely at Ministry level; it requires Cabinet approval, and we will discuss it there as well.

¶ 08 On the middle-grade cadre, we must discuss with the Colleges, universities and our Ministry together. We have already appointed a small committee; we will form a broader committee, discuss, amend our Service Minutes accordingly, and provide a speedy solution. I thank all who expressed views, especially Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna for moving this Adjournment Motion.