The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has alleged that the current government, led by Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa is attempting to compel doctors to provide services against their will.

Addressing a media briefing today (01), GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya stated that more than 23,000 doctors affiliated with the association are not prepared to work under coercion.

Meanwhile, speaking at the weekly cabinet media briefing held yesterday, Minister Jayatissa defended the ongoing annual transfer process for doctors. He noted that approximately 6,000 transfers are scheduled to be completed by May 10, with the process having commenced in early February.

The Health Minister emphasized that a structured transfer system had not been effectively implemented over the past 13 years, alleging that certain individuals had remained in the same positions for extended periods, in some cases between 13 to 17 years. He further claimed that the new system aims to eliminate such irregularities and ensure fairness, particularly for doctors who had previously been disadvantaged. According to him, opposition to the process stems from individuals who had benefited from past irregular practices.

Responding to these remarks, Dr. Weerasuriya rejected the Minister’s claims, accusing him of making misleading statements. He highlighted that the GMOA had successfully facilitated a similar transfer process in 2019 with a reported success rate exceeding 98 percent.

He further noted that although the 2026 transfer process began in February, less than one-fifth of the planned 6,000 transfers have been completed over the past two months. He criticized the Ministry of Health’s performance, questioning its efficiency in implementing the program.

Dr. Weerasuriya reiterated that doctors are not subordinate to political authority and asserted that they are neither indebted to nor intimidated by any party. He stressed that GMOA members would not agree to work under pressure and warned that they are prepared to respond firmly to any challenges posed by the Minister.