
Medical associations have expressed concern over a potential precedent after a psychiatrist assigned to Mullaitivu District General Hospital requested a reversal of her transfer.
The reluctance of specialists to serve in rural areas, especially in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, has become a significant issue, exacerbating the shortage of psychiatrists and impacting healthcare services.
Sources informed media that the psychiatrist in question applied for sick leave despite being in good health, citing ongoing research work as the reason for her refusal to take up the post.
This has left psychiatric services at the hospital in disarray, further stretching already limited resources.
Other hospitals in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar, and Jaffna are also struggling with the shortage, leaving many patients without essential mental health care.
The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), and other medical bodies have urged authorities not to reverse the transfer, warning it could set a dangerous precedent.