Health service could be disrupted due to fuel shortage, GMOA warns

2026-03-16 - 16:27

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) warns that a serious risk has emerged regarding the continuation of the hospital system in the future due to fuel restrictions. In a statement, the association pointed out that a more practical solution must be provided urgently within the existing mechanism to ensure transport facilities for doctors and other healthcare workers in order to maintain uninterrupted health services. It added that the GMOA has already made a written request to the President seeking intervention in this regard. However, they state that so far no responsible authority, including the Ministry of Health, has paid any attention to this issue. Accordingly, the GMOA has announced that an emergency Central Committee meeting, with the participation of all representatives across the country, will be held tomorrow (17) to discuss the prevailing developments. The report of a special committee appointed by the GMOA Central Committee to study issues related to primary healthcare services and present a report with solutions is also scheduled to be submitted tomorrow. The association further stated that, after reviewing all these matters, several decisive decisions regarding future plans will be announced tomorrow. The full statement is given below. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni stated that steps are being taken to provide fuel in the future according to the requirements of doctors. He added that a circular indicating the quantity of fuel to be issued based on service requirements will also be issued.