Carrots, Toffees and lollipops!

During the colonial era the doctor was equal in position with the Governor!

The common addressed him with respect -“Dosthara Hamuduruwo”
As time passed, this term was gradually replaced by “Dosthara Mahattaya”.
The deterioration did not stop at that point. “Dosthara Mahattaya” soon became “Dosthara”.
This transition in the nomenclature tells us a big story about deterioration of the position of the doctor in the society.

Many threats/challenges seem to be emerging.
1.Poor salary and its Taxation, Lack of an allowance policy and lack of privileges for the doctors.
2.Lack of an organizational structure-In which the clinical governance is taken in to consideration. New posts where paramedics have created in order to glorify themselves seem to be threatening the authority of the medical officers.
Nursing DDG, Ward Manager, Quality Manager (Lab) are only a few examples.
3.Being unable to establish an acceptable promotion scheme for the doctors has lead to stagnation in the same grade for many years.
4.Being unable to acquire additional educational qualifications. This has made the medical officer vulnerable to paramedical degree and post graduate degree programs.CME (Continuous Medical Education) is a dying need of the day.
5.Lack of an intermediate carder where acquired skills and experience of the doctors are taken in to account.
6.Lack of an internal quality control/Auditing system within the medical profession. This is directly linked with the deterioration in self satisfaction.
7.Medical litigation, adverse press publicity, Political influences, lack of a welfare structure and CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement) with India.

I have pointed out only a few, there are many more to be added.
All these have made the working environment of the medical officer unhealthy and unsatisfactory.
They need to be addressed by, taking the medical service as a whole.
A Leader with a good Vision is a prerequisite.

Carrots, Toffees or lollipops on the eve of an election will not serve the purpose.

Vote for Dr.Padeniya and Team.