GMOA Seeks Health Ministry Intervention

By Nirmala Kannangara

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has sought Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena’s intervention to find schools for the children whose parents are working in the peripheries.
Dr. Saman Abeywardena of the GMOA told The Sunday Leader that six children whose parents are working in periphery hospitals are waiting to get schools in Colombo although 11 months have elapsed in the year.
“The general procedure is to send letters to the Education Ministry Secretary through the Health Ministry Secretary and they would be forwarded to the relevant school principals. Although the same procedure was followed in 2010 for 2011 school entrants, principals of most schools have not admitted these children. As a result children whose parents are working in the North and East and many other periphery hospitals are still waiting for schools although almost one year has passed,” said Dr. Abeywardena.
Meanwhile, the GMOA on behalf of the doctor parents had met Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena on November 1. “When we met the Educatioin Minister he gave an assurance that he will speak to his officials but we are still waiting to get a favorable response. These doctors are working in remote areas but the Education Ministry has failed to provide schools for their children,” claimed Dr. Abeywardena.