50 doctors at National Eye Hospital seek transfers at once

2026-02-04 - 04:58

Around 50 doctors attached to the National Eye Hospital, Colombo, have reportedly submitted written requests to the Director General of Health Services seeking transfers to other hospitals. According to reports, the doctors have requested that the transfers be effected within this week, in line with transfer recommendations already issued by the Public Service Commission. Issuing a statement, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) alleged that the Acting Director of the National Eye Hospital has repeatedly made misleading statements to the media regarding the hospital’s medical staff. The GMOA further says that the Acting Director has misled the public by claiming that doctors at the hospital have remained there for extended periods of time, causing inconvenience and distress to the doctors. GMOA Secretary – Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said the union would closely observe how hospital operations continue with replacement doctors once the transfers of the 50 doctors are implemented. Meanwhile, Acting Director of the National Eye Hospital – Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, has told the media that doctors will be appointed to maintain services after the transfers take effect. He emphasized that no specialist ophthalmologists or other specialist consultants are among those who have requested transfers. Dr. Bandara further noted that while the GMOA is a long-established and respected trade union that has rendered significant service to both doctors and the national health sector, he does not approve of certain decisions taken with the objective of inconveniencing patients. He also clarified that he does not have the authority to transfer doctors, stating that such administrative decisions fall under the Ministry of Health. He added that he acts in accordance with the instructions of the Director General of Health Services, and that both he and the hospital’s medical staff remain responsible for ensuring the continued delivery of patient care services at the National Eye Hospital.