Sri Lanka medical officers raise concerns over decision to have OPDs open all day

The All Ceylon Government Medical Officers' Association (ACGMOA) affiliated with the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has raised concerns over the government's decision to commence 24 hour Outpatient Department (OPD) services in state hospitals.

ACGMOA President Dr. Gishantha Dasanayaka has written a letter to Health Ministry Secretary Dr. R. Ruberu saying that the implementation of such a project, without giving due attention to the pressing problems in the Health Services would be problematic.

Dr. Dasanayaka has observed that media reports have indicated that the original presidential directive to activate the round-the-clock OPD service has later been limited to the Teaching Hospitals and National Hospitals and the service has been limited till 8:00 p.m.

The doctor has noted that the change made by the Ministerial Secretary is an indication of the impracticality of the proposal to have a 24-hour OPD service.