The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I wish to ask the following Question from the Hon. Prime Minister:

¶ 02 1) Is it correct that over 2,100 medical doctors and 2,500 nurses have left Sri Lanka during the past two years seeking employment abroad?

¶ 03 2) If so: (a) The number of doctors, including specialists, who have migrated during this period and their main destinations? (b) The impact of this brain drain on the public healthcare system, including services at major hospitals and rural areas? (c) Measures taken or proposed by the Government to address this situation and retain medical professionals? (d) Are salaries paid to these professionals realistically? (e) Why has the Government stopped recruiting students through the UGC Z-score to the KDU? I was informed yesterday that the parents of the applicants have met the President and have also gone to court.

¶ 04 3) Given that most doctors qualify through free education in our country, has the Government considered seeking compensation or other arrangements from countries benefiting from the exodus of our trained doctors, as suggested in some international fora?

¶ 05 I saw the Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa mention in Switzerland that we must get compensation from countries which benefit from the migration of our doctors for the monies spent by countries like us to train them. I am sure the Hon. Prime Minister would be able to provide some information on that matter as well.

¶ 06 Thank you.