News
Record attendance at Medical Specialists’ AGM
An “unprecedented” number of specialists attended the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) in
The AGM in progression
Colombo on Sunday, where Dr. B.G. Nimal Ratnasena was elected President.
The auditorium of the National Blood Transfusion Service at Narahenpita was filled to capacity, with more than 200 seats being occupied as the proceedings of the AGM got underway.
Specialists or consultants from all over the country converged at Narahenpita not only to infuse new life to the AMS but also to indicate their displeasure over the treatment meted out to them by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
Many while stating that it was not an “emotional” decision to resign from the membership of the GMOA, were quick to point out that they felt a dire need to support the AMS to fight the battles of the specialists.
The general impression was that “like the dinosaurs” the specialists just did not realise their power. There are around 2,000 specialists working in State hospitals around the country.
Soon after taking over the Presidency of the AMS, Dr. Ratnasena said that April 26 marked the beginning of a new era, when the AMS would grow from strength to strength as a powerful trade union (TU).
He was categorical that the AMS was not on a conflict course with any other TU including the GMOA.
Assuring that there would be no favouritism, he reiterated that every member would be treated equally.
Dr. Ratnasena pointed out that among matters that would be addressed by the AMS on a priority basis will be the introduction of the Specialists’ Register, the special Service Minute in which the specialists would come under a separate category, specialists’ salary issues and schooling for their children.
Referring to the Specialists’ Register, Dr. Ratnasena said that in the last quarter of 2014, there had been extensive discussions between the AMS and the then Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena which had resulted in the final draft being brought to the doorstep of the Legal Draftsman.
Earlier when the names of the Executive Committee were announced, a specialist observed that even though he was not opposed to the nominations, he felt that there was no transparency in the process.
This followed an explanation of the Constitution of the AMS which allowed for such nominations and transfer of power from year to year, with the suggestion that if the membership so wished amendments should be brought in next year.