President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the monthly Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance paid to medical officers by Rs. 25,000, from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 95,000, under the 2027 Budget.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament today (12), the President said the increase recognised the important role played by medical officers in safeguarding public health and ensuring the wellbeing of the people.
Meanwhile, the Government has proposed doubling the monthly special duty allowance for nursing officers and officers in the paramedical and supplementary medical services from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 12,000.
The monthly special duty allowance for other health sector employees will also increase from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000.
Allowance Increases to Be Implemented in Two Phases
President Dissanayake said the proposed allowance increases for health sector employees would be implemented in two stages.
Accordingly, 50% of the proposed increases will be paid from July 2027, while the remaining 50% will be implemented in 2028.
The proposals form part of the Government's efforts to recognise the contribution of healthcare workers and strengthen the national health service.
