Sri Lanka's Health Ministry has appointed a six-member committee to examine a proposal for creating an intermediate grade position for medical officers and provide recommendations within one month.
The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has formed a committee to investigate the establishment of an intermediate grade for medical officers, according to an announcement by the ministry's secretary. The move follows instructions from Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with the committee formally appointed by Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni chairs the committee, which includes Dr. Amila Suranga as secretary and four additional members: Dr. W.K. Wickramasinghe, Dr. Saminda Samarakoon, Senior Professor H.D.N.P. Opatha, and Senior Professor Dilip de Silva.
The committee's scope is broad, encompassing several key areas of investigation. Members are tasked with defining the parameters of the proposed intermediate grade, determining which medical specialties would qualify for the position, and establishing selection procedures for eligible medical officers. Additionally, the committee must examine service duration requirements, associated benefits and entitlements, and protocols for transfers among positions.
As part of its consultative process, the committee has been directed to solicit input from professional medical colleges and other relevant stakeholders before finalizing its recommendations. The group is expected to submit its findings to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media within a month of its appointment.