Sri Lanka Medical Council imbroglio

I read with much interest the letter of Prof Lalitha Mendis in the Sunday Island of 13th December. The report of a press conference, where respected senior doctors, such as Prof Colvin Goonaratne and Dr Sarath Gamini de Silva, too, opposed, the manner in which a well known person, Prof Harendra de Silva, and some others, had been summarily dismissed by a woman Minister, was also placed in the public domain. It was said that the person who wore the Black Gown, before the Computer era was allowed, while sitting for the finals, was the catalyst to this illegal act.

These doctors who updated us have left an indelible mark in our health sector, having not only served the country but also trained young medical officers.

A trade union, known as the GMOA, was in existence for a long time, headed by responsible men, who did not use that Union for their benefit. They never used the STRIKE weapon, like illiterate workers unions, and sorted out matters that affected them, with dignity and decorum, conducting such negotiations in a civilised manner.

With the passage of time, a mafia assumed control of this union and caused immense hardship to the poorest of the poor, by resorting to strike action, at the drop of a hat, at the behest of politicians. The President of the Union is also a no time limit believer and has opted to remain till kingdom come, as the majority of the members are scared of the mafia, as a healing angel said.

The President of the SLMC then was the much respected Prof Carlo Fonseka, who was adored by his students, and society, too, as a simple versatile personality. Carlo, a rationalist, was an honest man who was content with his wage. In the course of conversation, he said that the present men sadly lacked culture and were unable to act with aplomb, having entered a much sought after profession. When I asked him why the profession lost the regard people had, he said with standardisation, quality dropped. The decision was laudable, however the flood gates opened and men unworthy also got washed in. They were self centred and were incapable to appreciate the high standards the public expected of the healing profession.

While inking my thoughts, it crossed my mind how a loud-mouthed man, at a talk show, was asked what his A-levels results were. He replied, making the moderator and others having a good laugh when he said “MATA MATHAKA NE”. Being senior men, we were sad that the country was not getting the best due to a poor education system. This man is now not seen before microphones and the replacements are no better, attemptIng to show that they are more equipped than qualified Virologists, who should have been in the vanguard of this pandemic.

Your readers will be aware that Carlo was a disappointed man in his later years and waited till his term ended to leave the SLMC. When that day dawned, I was shocked, watching television, how the current President of the GMOA and a few others visited him, and made a desperate plea for him not to leave the SLMC.

They had the gumption to tell him that the GMOA will go on strike if he left. I quote his words to the current President, which was seen by millions on television.

“mama wandinnam mama wenuven strike karanna epa, duppath minissunta karadara karanna epa”. (I will worship you please do not harass the poor patients because of me }

This country is unique in that despite constraints of finance, all governments offer free education, from kindergarten to university, and these men are products of that system. The poorest of the poor contributed for them to be in this noble profession ‘in ties’. It’s a disgrace that they stooped to low levels to gain personal benefits and harassed the patients who stormed our public hospitals; who travelled before dawn to get treatment.

With the change of government, the GMOA made a valiant bid to get their President appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Health. The nation salutes President Gotabaya for not appointing him, as he is unworthy of that senior administrative position, and hasten to thank him for appointing the credible respected Radiologist to that position.

The medical profession cannot be controlled by men suitable for a labour union. Having failed to get a grip, it now wants to creep into a legally established forum, the SLMC, that was established to protect PATIENTS’ INTERESTS, not to look after their errant members while also using that institution to harass those who oppose them.

The SLMC, to the best of my knowledge, was established to ensure that patient interests, which were fundamental, had to be protected, while guiding the profession on an ethical path. I do not think those who were responsible dreamt that the medical profession will slide to such abominable levels where the public lost respect. The men in ‘tie with stethoscope’ round the neck, were treated with awe while the seniors who were in lounge suits were venerated.

I do not think those who enacted this legislation, setting out term limits, would have dreamt that our little island will, within 72 years of self-rule, will produce such types who will down tools when politicians blow whistles.

I have watched a video today that has gone viral where the current President of the GMOA had said during Carlo’s time, that the statute does not allow removal of the Chairman of the SLMC.

As a senior citizen, who watched the despicable conduct of politicians, who used foul language, threw the Holy Bible/Quran, used chilli powder on colleagues, attempted to attack the Speaker, damaged public property, etc., we joined the millions and voted for you Mr President. We expected a quick turnaround towards good order and a disciplined legislature, where technocrats would be effective drivers to serve the country.

We sincerely hope you will not allow a legally established regulatory body to get into wrong hands. No sane person will want the GMOA to creep in to administer a regulatory body designed to protect our interests, as such a wrong move will make the port workers to seek a man from their unions to be the Chairman of the Port Authority, and other institutions, too, justifiably would demand similar recognition.

I wish you a better Year 2021 at the levers of power now in abundance.

SENIOR CITIZEN