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Their children are in limbo when doctors are transferred
View(s):The Govt. Medical Officer’s Association (GMOA) alleges the State has failed to resolve the admission of their children to State-run schools during their transfers. The GMOA said, when Medical officers are transferred, their children are victimised as they are deprived of admission to State-run schools, even though schools allocate places for children of govt. servants when transferred.
GMOA spokesman Dr Nalinda Herath said there is a special transfer scheme where doctors have to be transferred every four years. He said some doctors go for overseas training, and hence find it difficult to show five-years permanent residence to get National school admission for their children.
Education Ministry officials held discussions regarding the matter in February, and promised to give a favourable solution before March 31.
They said principals of selected schools will be instructed to grant admission to transferred State officials.
However, GMOA committee member, Dr Kapila Mallawarachchi said the govt.’s reaction to the matter was “zero”.“Do we have to keep our children at home?” he demanded. He said the Education Ministry is dragging its feet and attempting to implement a new system which is quite alien to them.
Meanwhile, Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe claims the govt. is responsible for the issue, and it is not fair to compel govt. servants’ children to stay at home.
“They are citizens of this country and have a right to education,” he said. Earlier this week, the GMOA at a general committee meeting concerning this matter said it started last month and many doctors refrained from leaving the country. However, a Thambuttegama Hospital Specialist, Dr Nirvinda vacated his job and left the country.