12 December, 2024

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An Open Letter To GMOA President Padeniya

By Sarath Gamini De Silva

Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva

Dr. A Padeniya,
President,
Government Medical Officers’ Association,
Colombo.

Dear Dr. Padeniya,

Having observed the various developments in the health sector and in medical education in the past few years, I thought of writing to you on my appraisal of the current situation. I hope it is not too late in the day to write to you.

I write as a senior physician, a medical teacher, a past member of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) for ten years, and a former vice president and a long serving committee member of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA). I have been in the fore front of many GMOA trade union activities, occasional strikes, and was a  part of the public face of the GMOA in TV discussions, press conferences etc. I argued then that a union having to resort to strikes to win its demands was actually a sign of its weakness rather than its strength, as it is an admission that the union has failed in its negotiations.

You were considered a great asset by all in the GMOA as a man who studied the issues in depth and knew his facts before coming for any discussions. I still remember how in our negotiations over salary issues, you had at your finger tips all details of the comparative salary scales of all categories in the health sector. I remember congratulating you when you were elected the president on the first two occasions, but did not approve when you continued to hold office later.

Let me clarify my position regarding SAITM at the very outset. I do so as a member of the SLMC who took part in the initial discussions with Dr. Neville Fernando on the establishment of SAITM, took part in many relevant discussions in the SLMC until 2012 and also was also part of the UGC team inspecting the medical school.

I have no doubt that the SAITM authorities ignored all advice and guidance given by the SLMC on numerous occasions. Instead they have relied on political patronage to get the approval in a surreptitious way. How three cabinet ministers keep agitating for the sake of this private enterprise raises many questions as to what their obligations are.

I have little sympathy for the students and their parents as they have been adequately warned regularly by the SLMC over the years on the fact that this institution was not recognized by the medical council. I fail to understand why even some senior members of the medical profession took the risk of admitting their children to a medical school lacking SLMC approval.

That being said, I accept that any solution to the current crisis should recognize the necessity of allowing those students to continue their medical studies. Once that is done, this fraudulent medical school should be closed down. It is not practical for the state to take over every private medical school getting into difficulties. With plans in the pipeline for establishing state medical schools elsewhere in the country, there is no necessity for one in Malabe at state expense. I accept that there is room for a properly constituted private medical school in Sri Lanka, guided and recognized by the SLMC.

Let me now examine the role of the GMOA in the SAITM affair. It has expressed its opposition to the existence of SAITM in no uncertain terms. However I feel there is no justification for repeated strike action to achieve its aims. The hardship caused to the public is really saddening.  I would not hesitate to label these strikes as a crime against society.

Perhaps you may remember that we had definite guidelines in undertaking harsh trade union action in the past. It was generally accepted that strike action should not be used for salary issues and others of a more personal nature. Any suggestion for going on strike demanding good schools for our own children would have been unthinkable then.

We considered strike action as a last resort to protest against irregular transfers and appointments to keep the health service out of political interference. We succeeded in achieving the latter aim to a great extent. We had regional strikes if a member of ours was obstructed by any one during work and police did not apprehend the offenders. I feel all those short lasting actions were justified as they were inevitable.

We also had a general understanding that we should not seek the support of trade unions in other fields for any reason. That would have made us under obligation to join them in their struggles. This was considered unacceptable as our service of caring for the sick cannot be mixed up with or compromised by any of their fields of activity.

What happens now is totally unacceptable. GMOA officials publicly calling general strikes is a bad trend.  Doctors going on strike for general political issues like the ICTA are also unwarranted. For the first time in the history, you have allowed a political party leader to address the GMOA membership. As I already indicated to you personally, this should never have happened.

The net result of all this is that in the public eye, the GMOA has become equivalent to any other trouble making union in the public sector. The public has lost all respect for the GMOA and the medical profession in general. It is inevitable that many suspect that your actions are a part of a larger campaign to create political instability.

I know you are a very caring paediatric neurologist and a medical teacher doing your duty properly in the health service. You are respected by the GMOA members for the service rendered in getting their emoluments and other benefits on par with other comparable services.

The fact that, as president of the GMOA, you have done much work including publishing booklets and conducting workshops guiding doctors to better professional standards, is little known to many in the society.

Yet I believe that you have been the president of the GMOA for too long. You now lack new thinking and when in “power” you tend to ignore the general feelings of the membership. This is why even in the field of politics, I believe no one, however good he may appear, should be allowed to remain in power for more than two terms.

You should plan to step down when your current term expires. You can render a much greater service to society if you now devote full time for your clinical work. After all, paediatric neurology is a relatively new field that needs people like you with energy, imagination and leadership qualities for further development.

I sincerely hope that you will take my advice in the same spirit that I give them.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva

Latest comments

  • 12
    1

    This FORMER member of SLMC Dr. Silva s letter is indeed a good one but he has not added any solution to the national problem as to how the students that making up 80% of annually getting through Alevels and dreaming of studying medicine.

    Yes, those who have entered to SAITEM, should be given options to continue their degree also providing them sufficient clinical trainings prior to go for closing down the pvt college.

    • 8
      2

      Dr.De Silva is not addressing the national question but is concerned about the medical profession and how Dr.Padeniya having been too long in power is insensitive to members feelings and therefore should step down.
      SAITM has had training in 7 different hospitals leading to a standard MBBS. State students too have deficiencies. All these are ironed out finally in the more superior clinical training year of internship under strict supervision of consultants looking after hospital patients. Then only are they registered as practicing doctors. Lot of confusion about standards is spread by GMOA, still blocking SAITM.
      If SL Medical Council refuses SAITM saying there are no standards, how did they approve KDU at same time, under defence pressure, no hospital

    • 7
      9

      Dr Sarath,
      These are open questions to you!

      If the people of the country demands a Private medical institutions, GMOA has no right to stop this?

      May be this could be solved by a referendum. Lot of bright students miss out because of the competition, It is not fair if they have means to achieve their dreams and we prevent them achieving it, What matters is how we make them good doctors.

      Dr Sarath, We have to agree that SLMC and GMOA are not constructive in establishing private medical schools. You want to sabotage this thing by any means?

      Let me rephrase what Mr Carlo Fonseka told us about Ragama MC and students sitting Colombo exams, He said gods should protect patients if the Ragama private students become doctors passing colombo exams.
      This is a clear indication hypocrisy if you can understand the underlying. Most arguments today are not much different to that. Envious, selfish and anti social!

      This selfish behavior of our educated is everywhere like in OBAs, trade unions, They form exclusive clubs. Not only that they teach their kids this selfish behavior.

      What the country need is to establish proper criteria/specifications for the private course, Not mostly the entrance, I don’t believe someone with three Ss can pass a mdeical degree if it is up to the standard of the Colombo MC. And if someone did, He is a great achiever and we must respect him. What we need to do is specify the standards of CMC to private ones. not to destroy the concept.

      Country needs more doctors and we can train doctors and send them to other countries to make foreign income.

      Not only that we must establish a government avenue for a experienced nurses to qualify as doctors by passing competitive exams!
      If a clerk can become a GA, Why not a Nurse can become a Doctor? Lot of developed countries have programs for this?

      It is commendable what Dr Nevil try to achieve as a doctor and a businessman. He is helping to create wealth and we all must help him and it is not as easy as doing a mere job!

  • 6
    3

    Dr. Sarath points out how GMOA has clearly gone beyond its boundaries, and is now harming poor patients, the working of govt. hospitals under the health ministry, and disturbing the peace of citizens and GMOA President AP is held accountable. AP must be a pioneer/forerunner in paediatric neurology and build up the specialty to multiply into all hospitals. An eg. would be how Dr. Reggie Seimon, eye surgeon Kandy trained ophthalmologists for all regional hospitals. AP must step down and a new visionary must take the lead. Same must apply to the demented Marxist of SLMC.
    Dr Neville of SAITM is accused of not following SLMC instructions. Nobody is aware of the degree of GMOA terror and obstruction he had, teething trouble, mistakes, unplanned deviations, unexplained behavior, court cases, failure of MOU for clinicals, among other things. GMOA still terrorizes, and SLMC deans are so bigoted that they are still suggesting hospital training for SAITM, knowing it cant happen in GMOA controlled hospital system. That SAITM still exists so well is a miracle. Politics is home ground for Dr. Neville. Only path for SAITM is verdict of internship and if post MBBS exams. are mandated ad hoc, the only legal exam. is the final Common MCQ for state MBBS under UGC.

  • 2
    1

    This sad and sorry saga continues, and the world looks on.

    So to sum up what is clear to all: We produce good doctors but piss-poor administrators. Many opportunities have passed over the many years to resolve this matter. The several governments involved have lacked the leadership, and equally the ‘educated’ men and women who have been involved are guilty of dragging their feet and bringing us to this sorry state of affairs.

    WE the People, particularly the sick and suffering are about to be held hostage to the failures of these people. They, and they know who they are, should be hanging their heads in shame.

    • 4
      2

      Do you know as to why these men were not that vocal at the time, MR led powerful men implemented it few years ago ?

      Can they just be away repeating, that we the SLMC warned the students and their parents about the future problems if they would start a degree courses at SAITM ?

      Alone University Grant Commission (UGC) under MR admistration to involve in the student enrollments to SAITEM gave a higher recognition, to those students, that nothing would arise the way they have been facing it today ?

      What UGC and SLMC would say on this today ? Why they make every efforts to put the blame on the students/parents to have entered for the degree course during the last 8 years ?

      SLMC and GMOA were so blind in the critical moments of COMMENCE of SAITM, but to argue today one behind the other, is beyond reaching our comprehension.

  • 3
    3

    If you ask the patients on striking day what will they reply. We have watched the curse they make as the editor stated as below and the patients remarks are just opposite.

    Very caring pediatric neurologist and a medical teacher doing your duty properly in the health service. You are respected by the GMOA members for the service rendered in getting their emoluments and other benefits on par with other comparable services.

  • 14
    2

    What about private practice. Is there any moratorium on their charges? Recently I visited a private hospital to consult an orthopedic surgeon. The charges varied from 1750/ to 2500/. I understand that a specialist see only 15 patients per day in government hospitals? However in private hospitals a specialist see even 50 patients? How do we sort this matter out. GMOA!Please clarify.

    • 3
      3

      Thank you Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva for the informative article bringing some of the other side of the SAITM issue.

      You reminisce “…… I still remember how in our negotiations over salary issues, you had at your finger tips all details of the comparative salary scales of all categories in the health sector”.
      Padeniya is a tough negotiator.

      I confess that I know very little about Padeniya or SAITM. Will someone enlighten me on “other” SAITM graduates?

      One cannot find an angel in Lanka so Padeniya is probably not. Has SAITM got a branch in Heaven?

      You went on to say “……. I have no doubt that the SAITM authorities ignored all advice and guidance given by the SLMC on numerous occasions. Instead they have relied on political patronage to get the approval in a surreptitious way. How three cabinet ministers keep agitating for the sake of this private enterprise raises many questions as to what their obligations are…… “

      SAITM has taken business risks. Should the whole country bail them out?

      Colombo is becoming a city for the nueva (filthy) rich. SAITM seems to be for the exclusive. Some SAITM students boast “We could have gone overseas to read Medicine but we decided to stay in our beloved country”. Their country is Colombo!

      Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva’s advice to Padeniya “You should plan to step down when your current term expires”.
      Maybe he will after bringing an end to the SAITM issue.

      Thatcher started the union bashing and Lanka has followed suite. GMOA is keeping unionism alive.

      GoSL made garbage collection an essential service. Why not health services too?

    • 1
      0

      Do these doctors pay taxes?

      The hospitals connive with these doctors and pay them the collected fees in CASH after they finish the channelling. No cheques and no accounts in the name of the doctors.

      The Inland Revenue and the Finance Minister must be fully aware of this. Why are they turning a blind eye. The records of all consultations are available with all hospitals.

      It is only the poor employees in the private sector who pay their taxes correctly through the PAYE. Everybody else cheat.

  • 1
    8

    As the nephew of Dr. AVKV de Silva, Prof AJ Fernando and Prof Thakshan Fernando, I can only wonder about the advice that Dr. Sarath Gamini de Silva would have given Dr. SA Wickremasinghe, not to mention Dr. Ernesto Guevara…:))

    • 2
      0

      No. He would have advised “Do not listen to DL ilk”

    • 4
      1

      DJ, I thought that you would keep it for you. Right at the moment, the way you have been up to .. no worth even you to mention your respectable relatives. You ve been fallen to that low level being unable to see it yet as an early sexagenarian. We thought you could deliver lotmore had you sensed it not being biased to crime friendly leaders of the island.

    • 2
      0

      Coming from an intelligent generation, see what this man is doing with MR! They did not live to see his antics.

      • 7
        0

        That is unfortunately the practising buddhism in SRILANKA. Padeniya has been made an another LOW LIFE under the guide of Mahinda Rajapakshe politics. People to decide.
        Paddeniya may be a good medical doctor (paediactric neurologist), but seems to be not a hearted human being when considering the facts that have been coming to surface these days.

  • 7
    2

    What has become necessary is to send out the whole bunch of incumbent GMOA office bearers and have a set of officers who can act as genuine intellectuals, not a few who are boot-lickers of a defeated corrupt and murderous dictator

  • 3
    3

    Dr Saratah Silva…

    Reference to you appeal and an advice to current GMOA President is outdated. Why is that?

    Ongoing key issues are different from the past in GMOA.
    Review of current issues is direct connected to skill of Doctors’ professionals and it is public concern of millions of citizens and others of patients of our land.

    Is the key issues are of survival of known and unknown people of an Island?
    Is that mission undertaken by GMOA has correct an approach by President and other team of office bearers Right track ?

    The Time of 21st Century duties and accountabilities are quite shifting Old ones into New Epoch .That nature of law.

    You advice embodied three suggestions?

    1 SATIM: is SLMC have to have guide line to followed by SATIM by
    Dr Neville Fernando as head of that institutions. Is not a
    political issued is an issue of minimum standard of MBBS Degree.
    When such issues comes Neville Fernando has give first should be
    take NOT money of rupees notes but life of Sick persons.
    He is first person should be blame NOT that GMOA President???.

    2 ETCA: of proposed agreement between Sri-lanka and Indian Republic
    of services related to skilled work forces that doctors as well
    as other professionals to be common one. New development of Skil
    issues between two countries has enlighten by GMOA. That is
    mission undertake by GMOA is right-full standard. President of
    GMOA has listen to majority members an ideas of new situation
    needed to address by President of GMOA.

    3 Term of President: of GMOA has to ended by Dr Pardeinya end of
    next term. This has to decided by members of GMOA. What ever
    the reasons Dr Pardeniya cannot remained without consent of
    GMOA members.

    DR ….You may having differ interest and soft corner of other reasons to step-down of Dr Pardeniya is NOT right way of thinking against WILL and Democracy of majority members GMOA as well as ,democratic nation like us? I am sorry to say Respect Will of GMOA members ad past President of GMOA.

    I appreciated your past acts and mission ,I do not want make mistakes in future?

  • 2
    2

    A great letter by a great physician. Spot on Sir.

  • 4
    4

    Padaniya must be from a remote area with low A level qualification which has lead to be a threat. How can you call them the cream? From birth education has been free and now till death will live on our tax money. What has he given back to motherland? Those who enter SAITM will be competent in English and have all facilities to get the best needed knowledge. This is a threat to our locally qualified MO. Look at India , how advance and very innovative in their profession and moving forward with their own knowledge. Have any of our locally qualified person contributed in innovative new methods or anything new? Their only aim is private practice. So if they strike government should sack them and stop private practice. Government should introduce a new wing under health ministry to SAITM products to register as MO and move forward. GMOA is a shameless organization.

  • 4
    4

    Sarath Gamini De Silva,
    You should now write a letter to the President and other involved Ministers describing how their inactivity and delaying tactics are putting innocent patients at risk. Demand for immediate action on SAITM.
    Your request for Padeniya to step down is your personal view and is unreasonable. Such should be decided by the members of the GMOA.

  • 4
    0

    GMOA has been holding poor, innocent patients to ransom to achieve their selfish motives; for far too long. List of instances they have struck work is far too long to mention here. The general public is aware of this. Why dont the civic right movements and public interest activists do some action and hold some protests?

    There are some exemplary doctors who go out of their way and do sacrificial service to people. But, a bunch of power hungry crooks masquerading in white cloaks bring disgrace to the entire medical profession. Its high time these goons be dealt with, before they become cancerous.

  • 6
    0

    Our NOTORIOUS political science doctor or so called D.J. – the loser and the servile stooge of MaRa and Gota found another opportunity to boast about his family connections. It is sad to see how miserable you are in your search for RECOGNIZTION !

    • 1
      0

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

    • 1
      0

      I would not recognize him as notorious, he is just devious, malicious, rotten his own world and that is why he has been on the mode of twisting any thoughts he thinks about any leadership would be fine. The impact of his stammers are no matter for him. The kind of men are also in Germany, Uk, France and several other developed countries too. But the levels that DJ has advanced to the this day is connected with the knowledge he has collected over the years, and not having any contenders to challenge him. It is common to third world countries.

  • 2
    13

    This doctor dude seems have an axe to grind with Padeniya.

    Intelligent people know Dr Padeniya’s struggle is a lot more than closing down the rouge Medical School as this dude himself calls it.

    But Dr Padeniya is on a greater mission on behalf of our Dalit population, in a time when their political representative have abandoned them for UNP Rupees with Dr Mahendran and Galleon autographs and free Car Permits.

    Keep going Dr Padeniya.. Even God will bless you.

    • 4
      0

      KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera

      Why do you sound like Bandula Jayasekara? Is he your twin bro?

      He too types things he does not know.

      So how was Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa’s perfomance on the may day rally?

      If ever you decide to contest election and stand against Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa you can count on me for support.

    • 0
      0

      Dalit population was also the focus of the Hindu born, warrior Sakya clan chief Gautama the Buddha as well. Born and cremated a Hindu according to Mahatma Ghandi, he finally got enlightenment in a different sphere to help human beings follow a good path. Why not AP follow the neural paths of mindfulness he specialized in, leaving behind this venomous pathway to destroy aspirations of youth of SL

  • 6
    0

    Simple formula:Pavaadeniya + Kalu Maru Soysa + GMOA = Strike By Day & Channel By Night !!

    As the writer of this excellent article states, the moment Pavaadeniya got a politician to address a meeting of the GMOA, the idiot smashed in one stroke the credibility of the once revered association for ever.Now all what Pavaadeniya is doing is heaping misery on the poorest of the poor.

  • 5
    1

    A measured and timely advice given by someone who knows what he is talking about and involved in the process in the past. What is concerning is the seemingly politicisation of GMOA. When professional associations become politicised, they lack credibility.

    Dr. S.A. Wickramasinghe,though a physician by profession, entered politics and led a party committed to social equality, justice etc.openly. He did not,to my knowledge, hide behind an association of medical professionals.

    The advice of the people like Dr. Sarath Gamini de Silva should not be dismissed out of hand as it is coming from a person with experienced hand in the medical field and GMOA,UGC etc.

    We all are Pothe Guras in this business.

  • 8
    2

    Some of Pavaadeniya’s supporters above are clearly doctors.I for one really don’t know how they became doctors for their English is atrocious to say the least.How did they read and understand the many reference books in that language?May be they passed by using the technique used by Namal Rajapaksa to get through his law exams!Their writings also remind one of how Mahinda R,Basil R and Gota R speak in English !! “Yesh man valy valy true ” !!

    • 5
      0

      Unfortunately, the standard of the local grauduates of the day is no comparable to those passed out decades ago. This is the saddest reality.

  • 2
    0

    Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva,

    In a nutshell, does it mean that SAITM is bad, but GMOA President is worse?

    There is something else also I see in between the line is that doctors have to come out of GMOA to gradually realize GMOA is a irresponsible body

    Thanks

  • 1
    5

    Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva: You have addressed this letter to Dr. Padeniya. Let us wait for his reply. Can you request him to respond early. Some of the answers and responses that could come as a reply came in his (Dr. Padeniya) discussion with a TV channel titled “Salakuna” aired on the 8th May 2017. Did you listen to that before writing this letter? If you did, this letter would have not been addressed or this would have taken a different form. It is within your right to ask Dr, Padeniya to step down from the Presidency of GMO; but that is a matter for him and the membership of the GMO. If the membership wants and he is willing what prevents it? Can you or me ask him to do that? your only arguments are (1) Dr. Padeniya is not up to current developments and (2) He has been there too long. That is your opinion. But do you want the general membership and Dr. Padeniya himself to accept your opinion and that your opinion is the only solution? Sorry, NO. Yet, if you are member of that Union, please canvass for it. If not let the membership of GMO have the say over the matter and decide for themselves what is best. Please try to trace that “Salakuna” programme in Utube and listen to it to the end and I am sure you will have a better understanding or a different version to the subject you are referring to.

  • 3
    0

    Now GMOA is afliated with JVP,once big murderers in SriLanka,they both now working on the same agenda. SLMA big man Prof.Carlo Fonseka also was supporting rogue Gota on stage.His agenda is also clear to the general public.They are politically motivated,now has become very cheap,they could be bought as so called politicians.
    Now all the general members must chase these executive committee members from both GMOA & SLMC and appoint a new fresh executive committees who are unbiased and non-politically motivated council.

  • 3
    0

    Dr. Silva’s letter is an eye opener. He is more realistic to point that medical profession is the Noble Profession without any doubt. Its upto the members of the GMOA to extend or fire Dr Padeniya from the leadership, but the very GMOA was avid/ardent enemies for their brethren the AMPs and the RMPs who treats more patients than the MBBS doctors. Every western countries are introducing the AMP/RMP medical practitioners including the USA and CAnada (Known as PAs) and allowing them to work in the emergency department and other health branches with 2 years service.

    SAITAM issue could be solved without compromising the standard of the health service if the GMOA abandon its BIG BROTHER mentality. Nobleness is not equal to Selfishness.

  • 7
    0

    Why did not Dr.Padeniya protest between 2010 and 2015. I suppose fear of the white van or is it MR HIS BUDDY.

  • 3
    0

    I completely agree with Dr.S.G.De Silva. The current Leader of the GMOA should NOT continue to organise any more strikes and not get the other Trade unions and politicians to harm the general Public. I would prefer the current Medical students to complete their Medical Studies and then close the Private Medical school.
    No more new intakes to this Medical School. I do know that some of the students had obtained good results in the GCE [Adv level] and that they were not selected to the government Medical colleges because of the DISCRIMINATORY RULES & REGULATIONS.

  • 9
    0

    Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva must have learned by now that balloth ekka nida gaththama negitinna wenne makkoth ekka bawa.He cannot put the blame on Dr Padeniya alone as they were the creators of this medical mafia. Before he criticizes the current mafia of the doctors, he should look back at this dirty culture. Recollect the doctor’s strikes in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
    GMOA doctors struck work for salary hike, duty free vehicle permits and special consideration for their children. If private enterprise is to be banned, private channeling too should be banned. This will hurt Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva as he is retired now.
    Dr.Padeniya in April said, the justice administered by courts is based only on the advice of the Attorney general (AG), thereby insulting the judiciary in its entirety (not any action of a judge). His outrageous comment was an absolute falsehood in relation to the courts. The doctor joker Padeniya did not stop at that. He even went on to ask, why should the judges be paid a salary? Urgent Trial with Harsh Punishment is a must for Those Who Are Violate the Law.”No One is Above the Law” Otherwise every individual would Violate the Law and Jeopardize Judiciary System of Srilanka with their political affiliations. The Sri Lankan public & many Government doctors hate the GMOA & Dr.Padeniya more than any politician. If SAITM really lacks standards as you say give suggestions to the government to improve its standard.

    • 2
      0

      Dr Thomas,

      it is believed not just SAITM isuse, but there are several other issues as to why the medicos have been against any commendable steps, patients friendly steps being taken by current govt. Among them standing vehemently against on control drug mafia being established in the country thanks to the previous adminstration. Any MBBS holder can easily join the drug mafia related illegal pharma drug/medical device marketting today.This has become to the size of garbage mountains due to lack of legal control during the high days of previous regime. Pharma companies are believed to pay this medicos millions of dollars.
      Now with Rajitha Senaratne as a fearless man irrespective of his other shortcomings as the health minister, with the direct BAKLCING of President have speeded up. The kind of illiegal businesses are no different to drug issue in the country today.

      • 0
        0

        Not only drug mafia, but there is an extensive job agency mafia that funds students who carry posters as SAITM students are those whom they could have arranged to sent abroad. They want SAITM totally smashed up, so they can collect agency foreign fees. IUSF insanity, motor cycle marches, anti SAITM placards are funded. There is the bigger political money overflow to topple govt.

    • 0
      0

      AP has been hauled up before courts for contempt on May 22nd, Appeal Court. Gregory’s Rd priest coordinated with minister Ranjan for reconciliation. But the voice he heard that he will be a political right hand is still speaking to him. The name of the game is to say sub standard and then block them from achieving any standard by controlling govt. hospitals to obstruct training. Its a vicious cycle. Need to remove from office and incarcerate for a period.

  • 0
    0

    Different persons in the same field can have different opinions on an issue as they have different types of justifications.

    Dr Sarath Gamini might very well remember when his colleagues at the Drug Evaluation Sub Committee did not agree with his request not to ban Diclofenac Injection in Sri Lanka and at least allow the senior Medical Specialist to use in needy situation and decided not to register this medicine considering the problems which would occur due to incorrect administration technique.

    Life is like that.

    http://nmra.gov.lk/index.php?proType=1&manucountry=0&manufacturer=0&importer=0&keyword=diclofenac&btnSubmit=SEARCH&task=search&option=com_product&lang=en

    • 1
      0

      Medical Man

      But regardless of them being medical professoinals, they should have hearts to come to common agreement in terms of issues that innocient patients are the focue across the country. if medicos have no sense to do so, what is worth of them being medical doctors to the masses ?

  • 0
    0

    Dr Sarath Gamini De Silva’s contribution here must be connected with the CT of 08 May “Medical Students Seek Intervention In The SAITM Special Leave To Appeal Case”

    One is lead to believe that there is more to the SAITM issue than meets the eye. The need is a dispassionate investigation without political interference.

    Medical profession the world over make lots of money. SL is no exception. As to the money made by them is a red herring. What is wrong with GMOA using trade union power?

    • 1
      0

      KP, with wrong use of GMOA power, strikes kill poor patients in govt. hospitals, docs. holiday during paid OPD time, indulge in illegal money making in evenings, injustice is done to SAITM MBBS obstructing internship training using Medical Council, which latter then becomes corrupt and gets judicial verdict of discipline in correction. Then no one trusts the SLMC decisions as being above board with honesty and integrity any more. SLMC unable to function properly joining TU GMOA.

  • 1
    1

    I really feel Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva has given a professional advice to a well respected professional Dr who can render a much greater service to society if he devote full time for clinical work.

  • 2
    0

    The Presidency of GMOA is a matter for its Membership. As to whether the current President steps down or not is a matter for him. It is said ‘birds of a feather flock together’. MR amended the Constitution with a view to being President for life. His ‘stooge’, the current President of the GMOA, may be thinking likewise?

    It is evident MR politicised most aspects of life in SL and the election of the GMOA Executive is one of them. Hence while being silent when MR awarded scholarships to SAITM students (thus legitimising that Institution), the GMOA is making a big hue and cry now! It is evident they are playing ‘Politics’.

    Now that the matter is before the Courts, the Judiciary will need to decide the way forward for the current batch of SAITM students. The Government needs to decide on its Policy for Private Medical Colleges in Sri Lanka.The GMOA Memberships needs to decide whom they want as their Executive.

  • 4
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    It is time that the Government sets up a scheme and legislation to encourage setting up Private Universities to cater to all fields of study including Medicine. This will bring in competition. Standards will definitely improve whilst giving the opportunity for the students who are not selected for the State Universities to study further at reasonable cost. This will also save valuable foreign exchange and also bring in foreign exchange through foreign students.

    If Nepal can do it, why not Sri Lanka?

  • 0
    1

    Dr. Gamini, Whether AP steps down or not, SAITM MBBS doctors are already trapped by Prof. Carlo’s ERPM/Act 16 exam. which has pass rate of 10% only, cleverly controlled to go into registration of internship. This was the devious plan of deceptive SLMC deans, which was accepted by an unsuspecting gullible govt. as its proposal, but meant to destroy and eventually close down SAITM. The deans 1st proposal also was to close down SAITM

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