New doc organization formed to fight private medical colleges

November 18, 2011, 9:49 pm

A new organisation has been set up to fight against the establishment of Private Medical Colleges in the country – especially against the Malabe Private Medical College (Malabe PMC).

National Convener for the Doctors Against Private Medical Colleges (DAPMC), Dr. Indunil Wijenayake said yesterday that 22 doctors had formed the Union to fight the threat posed against free education and the free health service by private medical colleges.

There have been efforts made by various governments to establish PMCs in the country - starting from 1981.

Dr. Wijenayake said that the efforts to establish a PMC in 2006 had been quashed by student unions, trade unions and people’s movements. The government had maintained an indifferent attitude towards protests by student unions and trade unions against the Malabe PMC issue. He alleged that the government aimed at establishing PMCs.

His Union aimed at involving doctors against the Malabe PMC and forcing the government in to shutting down the Malabe PMC. The DAPMC has 22 members. The National Convener said they intended to involve doctors’ trade unions, trade unions belonging to other fields in their fight against the Malabe PMC. (DJ)