Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled plans to establish Sri Lanka’s first non-government medical faculty, aimed at expanding medical education opportunities and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by a shortage of doctors in the country. This initiative includes allocating the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) to Moratuwa University to establish additional medical education institutions. The President expressed hope that the government would actively support the establishment of more medical colleges and universities to increase the domestic production of doctors.
While acknowledging that some doctors may choose to practice abroad, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the critical importance of augmenting the overall number of medical professionals within Sri Lanka through the expansion of medical education as a strategic response to this challenge. Speaking at the centennial anniversary commemoration of Joseph Fraser Ninewells Hospital, President Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of maintaining healthcare facilities in Sri Lanka at international standards, establishing the nation as a top destination for medical tourism. He reiterated the urgent need to address the shortage of medical professionals in the country and elaborated on the government’s plans to strengthen medical education, ensuring a sustainable supply of doctors.
The President highlighted the hospital’s remarkable growth from its origins in an underdeveloped region and praised its high standards, particularly as a well-regarded healthcare facility for women, a rare distinction in Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe emphasized the necessity of reshaping healthcare policies and increasing the number of medical colleges to effectively address the shortage of doctors in the country. He articulated a vision for Sri Lanka to excel in healthcare, attracting medical tourists and bolstering the nation’s healthcare sector. He expressed his commitment to transforming Sri Lanka from an aid-receiving country to a donor nation, highlighting the country’s progress and dedication to independently addressing its healthcare needs.
During his speech, President Wickremesinghe compared his role to that of a doctor, responsible for nurturing a patient back to health, symbolizing his dedication to the nation’s well-being. He noted Sri Lanka’s support in sending doctors to the United Kingdom, where their expertise has been vital in sustaining the healthcare system. Collaborative efforts with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India have yielded significant influence over the healthcare infrastructure in the UK, reflecting the caliber of Sri Lanka’s healthcare professionals.
President Wickremesinghe expressed his unwavering commitment to guiding the nation towards a healthier future, acknowledging the challenges that necessitate continued oversight of the patient’s care within the Treasury. He said, “I find myself in a situation similar to that of a doctor in recent times. I am tasked with the responsibility of tending to a patient who is teetering on the brink of critical condition, and I am steadfastly committed to nursing them back to health. If circumstances permitted, I would readily entrust this patient to the care of Joseph Fraser. Regrettably, circumstances necessitate that I retain oversight of the patient’s care within the Treasury”.
