GMOA demands transport perks for specialist doctors due to public service debate – The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has called for transport facilities or a special transport allowance for specialist doctors serving in remote areas, arguing that failing to provide such benefits amounts to an injustice.
The demand is likely to trigger debate over whether additional privileges should be granted to already highly paid public-sector professionals, with the GMOA insisting that the issue is not about personal perks but about retaining specialist doctors in Sri Lanka.
GMOA Secretary Dr. U.K.B. Warakagoda said specialist doctors often leave behind significantly higher salaries and career opportunities overseas to return to Sri Lanka and serve the public health system, including in difficult and remote locations.
However, the association claims that unlike certain executive-grade public servants, specialist doctors have not been provided with a formal mechanism for transport facilities or allowances despite the provisions of Circular 22/99.
According to the GMOA, a specialist doctor living in the Western Province could be posted to areas such as Jaffna, Monaragala or Ampara and would have to personally bear the cost of travelling between home and the duty station.The association said rising fuel and transport costs had made the situation increasingly difficult, with some specialists reportedly spending a substantial portion of their monthly salaries on travelling expenses. It also highlighted the demanding nature of specialist services, saying doctors working in remote areas may have to remain on call throughout the month and respond to emergencies at any time.
The GMOA warned that failing to address the issue could discourage specialists from accepting appointments in difficult areas and could even encourage doctors to seek overseas employment.The association has therefore urged the authorities to immediately provide transport facilities or a reasonable transport allowance to specialist doctors under Circular 22/99.The GMOA maintained that such benefits should not be viewed as a personal privilege, but as an investment in retaining specialist medical expertise within Sri Lanka’s public health system.
