GMOA warns govt. against appointing Carlo to head SLMC

December 4, 2011, 9:54 pm , The Island.

By Don Asoka Wijewardena

Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) General Secretary Dr.Chandika Epitakaduwa yesterday warned the government not to appoint Prof. Carlo Fonseka as the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) as he was regarded to be the most controversial character by the medical profession.

He was also a politically affiliated person who had criticized the SLMC on several occasions. Several medical institutions would hand over a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to appoint another professionally qualified medical person to fill the vacancy created by the impending departure of Pro. Lalitha Mendis, the GMOA General Secretary said.

He told "The Island" that the

Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), College of Surgeon, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the Government Dental Surgeon Association (GDSA), Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA), Independent Medical Practitioners Association (IMPA), Deans of All Faculties of Medicine, Medical Faculty Teachers Unions and all GMOA Branch Unions had decided to arrive at a final conclusion today at a special meeting to be held at SLMA.

Dr. Epitakaduwa said that the GMOA knew from a reliable source that Prof. Carlo Fonseka would be appointed as the President of the SLMC. Although in terms of qualifications Pro. Fonseka had all the credentials, the problem was he was considered rather controversial figure. Many medical organizations had discussed with the GMOA on this issue and were under the impression that his appointment as the President of the SLMC would do more harm than good.

In accordance with the Sri Lanka Medical Ordinance, the SLMC should remain as an independent organization. The President of the SLMC should have immaculate character, genuine interest to serve the medical profession, an independent person without conflict of interest, medically qualified person, a flexible person able to act on the spur of the moment, free from politics and ability to resolve divergent issues of the medical profession, he said.

Dr. Epitakaduwa added that the GMOA had requested the government to retain the services of SLMC current President Pro.Lalitha Mendis. She had been able to maintain the activities of the SLMC to a high standard. But in case a person with different attitudes, divergent views and unorthodox opinions was appointed, the SLMC would have to face severe repercussions in the future.

When contacted SLMC President Prof. Lalitha Mendis said that her successor should have the ability to take decisions independently irrespective of cast, creed and religion. The main objectives of the organization were regulating the medical profession. It was involved in regulating code of conduct of doctors and medical education.

She added that apart from academic qualifications, the person who would be appointed SLMC President should be a trusted person in the medical profession. He or she should also have presence of mind to take impartial decisions at all times. A politically affiliated person was not suitable to hold such a post because if that sort of person was appointed he or she would take decisions for the interest of politicians.