Nationalise SAITM, GMOA tells President

by Rukshana Rizwie

Members of the Government Medical Officers Association(GMOA) who met President Maithripala Sirisena said he responded positively to their concerns regarding the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) and the nationalisation of its medical college.

"There was no need for us to explain the shortcomings at the teaching hospital since the President was aware of it," said Assistant Secretary, GMOA Dr. Nalinda Herath. "We presented him a petition signed by all members of the GMOA on our unanimous decision to request the Government to nationalise the Medical Faculty."

Dr. Herath said the President had assured the GMOA that he, in consultation with the Prime Minister would take a firm decision on the matter. The All Ceylon Medical Officers Association along with other education and health trade unions was due to meet yesterday to discuss their stance on SAITM.

National Organiser of the All Ceylon Medical Officers Association (ACMOA) Dr. Asanga Wickremesinghe said the Association was against the Health Ministry decision to permit SAITM medical undergraduates to practise at the Avissawella Base Hospital and Kaduwela MOH.

He said trade unions and medical students' union held discussions with Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne but failed to reach a decision as he justified the move.