Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Tax burden forcing thousands of Sri Lankan doctors to emigrate
The Government Medical Officers' Association has called on authorities to cut taxes on medical professionals, citing an alarming exodus of skilled doctors leaving the country due to heavy fiscal burdens.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant brain drain in the medical sector, with the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) warning that excessive taxation is driving thousands of qualified healthcare workers abroad.
According to the GMOA, more than 2,500 specialist doctors and medical officers have left the country in recent times, with taxation cited as a primary factor in their decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. The association has urged the government to implement further tax relief measures targeting doctors and other professional workers to stem the ongoing exodus of skilled personnel.
The loss of experienced medical professionals poses a serious challenge to Sri Lanka's healthcare system at a time when the country faces economic constraints and increasing demand for quality medical services. The GMOA's statement reflects growing concern within the medical community about the competitiveness of Sri Lanka as a destination for professional practice.
The association's call for tax relief comes amid broader discussions about retaining skilled workers in the country. Healthcare professionals have increasingly cited financial pressures and better remuneration opportunities abroad as reasons for relocation, adding to concerns about the sustainability of local medical services.