Now-closed down the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) Chairman Dr Neville Fernando is planning to file a case against Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne, considering the failure to introduce necessary amendments to Medical Ordinance, the governing charter of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the Sunday Observer learns.
The SAITM Chairman told the Sunday Observer that he has prepared the documents for the lawsuit.
“The SLMC has become the trade union headquarters of the GMOA. We insist Dr Senaratne to reduce the membership of the SLMC into six members and reduce the power of the GMOA,” he said.
More than a year ago, SLMC former President Professor Colvin Gunaratna resigned from his position, claiming that the SLMC needs a revolutionary change as it is under the hostage of trade union power, including the powerful doctors’ trade union.
Lately, the Minister of Health appointed a committee to look into the need for amending the medical ordinance. But the Minister has not yet succeeded in introducing changes.
“Even court verdicts on SAITM graduates have shown the errors of the SLMC. We should form a proper Medical Council like the one in the UK where no doctors are given membership in it. Since all SAITM graduates have received their provisional registration, I have no obligation to take action against the Minister now,” Dr Fernando said.
(Sunday Observer)