135 Hospitals at Risk of Closure Due to Poor Administration: GMOA Warns

09-Aug-2025

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The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) warned that around 135 hospitals, especially in underserved areas, are at risk of closure due to administrative mismanagement by senior Health Ministry officials. 

Spokesperson Dr. Samil Wijesinghe stated that if the Ministry fails to respond, a nationwide strike will begin on August 11.

Speaking at a press conference on August 7, in Colombo, Dr. Wijesinghe stressed that shortages in doctors and specialists will create a serious healthcare crisis. 

With 23,000 senior doctors and 2,000 new doctors joining annually, he urged the government to streamline appointments and transfers.

The 2025 transfer list was released 9 months late, affecting over 5,000 doctors. 

Moreover, 78 posts in the list were arbitrarily skipped, violating regulations and impacting healthcare delivery in remote regions.

Unless a solution is provided within 72 hours, the GMOA will proceed with its indefinite strike from 8 AM on August 11, he said.