PARLIAMENT

• Suggestions that the Caucus should support the efforts to provide treatment to the disabled community
• Emphasis on the need for an appropriate system to produce domestic nutritionists

The Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians has directed its attention on whether or not there is a shortage of medicines in Sri Lanka and the health staff transfer policy. The Caucus decided to call officials from the Ministry of Health and the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) to discuss the said matter.

The discussions on the said matters took place when the Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians met for the second time at the Parliament premises recently (14.05.2024) under the chairmanship of its Hon. (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana.

The members of the Caucus were of the view that to discuss whether there is a shortage of medicine in Sri Lanka or not, the representatives of the Government Medical Officers' Association should be called first for discussions and thereafter it should be discussed with the relevant officials.

Hon. (Dr.) Thilak Rajapakshe emphasized that the transfer policy of medical professionals and minor staff members should be properly reviewed as many health workers are facing difficulties.

Hon. (Dr.) Rajitha Senarathne stated that there are not enough nutritionists in the country and emphasized the need for a suitable system to produce nutritionists in country.

Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle stated that the Caucus should support the efforts of providing treatment to the disabled community, and that it is essential to pay more attention to this field.
The Caucus also discussed the regulation of private hospitals and the work and supervision of specialists.

Members of the Committee State Minister Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola, Members of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Rajitha Senarathne, Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, and Hon. (Dr.) Thilak Rajapakshe, were also present at the Committee meeting held.