Sri Lanka Medical Council
The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) is a statutory body which was established in 1998 replacing the former Ceylon Medical Council which was formed in 1924. It is tasked with the regulation of the medical profession in Sri Lanka. It is tasked with protecting health care seekers by ensuring the maintenance of academic and professional standards, discipline and ethical practice by health professionals registered with it.[1]
Purpose
The purpose of the SLMC is:
- "protecting health care seekers by ensuring the maintenance of academic and professional standards, discipline and ethical practice by health professionals who are registered with it.
What is meant by maintenance of academic and professional standards and discipline and ethical practice by health professionals if there are no means of pursuing or questioning a medical practitioners treatment.
History
The SLMC was established as a statutory body by the Medical (Amendment) Act No. 40 of 1998 replacing the Ceylon Medical Council which in turn had been established by the Medical Council Ordinance No. 24 of 1924.
Functions
The SLMC's major functions include:
- the registration of medical practitioners
- the assessment and recognition of overseas qualifications of medical practitioners
Examinations
- Examination for Registration to Practise Medicine (ERPM) - for citizens of Sri Lanka who obtained their medical qualification from medical schools overseas per of Act No.16 of 1965 and Section 29(I)(b)(ii)(cc) of the Medical Ordinance.[2]
The purpose of the ERPM examination is to assess whether a candidate can approach medical practice with the appropriate intellectual skills of enquiry, clinical reasoning, critical thinking and decision making; possessing sufficient knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, and an understanding of the underlying principles of scientific method; and the ability to create a differential diagnosis and rationalize a treatment plan for common clinical situations prevalent in Sri Lanka. [3]
Council Members
- President - Nominated by the Minister of Health
- Eight members - one member each elected by the teachers of the Faculty of Medicine of each of the Universities established or deemed to be established by the Universities Act
- One member - one member elected by the teachers of the Faculty of Dental Sciences of each of the Universities established or deemed to be established by the Universities Act
- Eight members - elected by medical practitioners registered under section 29
- One member - elected by persons entitled to practice medicine registered under section 41
- One member - elected by dentists registered under section 43
- Four members - nominated by the Minister of Health, of whom at least two members shall not be in the employment of the Government or in receipt of a pension from the Government
- Director-General of Health Services
- Director-General of Teaching Hospitals
A vice-president shall be elected from among the members of the Medical Council, by the Medical Council. Its current President is Dr Colvin Gunerathna.
Criticism
Independence
The Sri Lanka Medical Council has been accused of lacking independence in its operations and policy formulation as it is heavily influenced by the Health Minister and his personal staff. [4]. However, the medical fraternity of the country could establish the independency after great struggle safeguarding the widely recognized reputation earned by the medical council rejecting political influences.
Protecting their own
The SLMC has been heavily criticized for focusing more on protecting the interests and privileges of doctors rather than protecting the interests of the general public as is the case with similar bodies such as the General Medical Council.[5]
Dominance of Doctors
The SLMC is dominated by medical doctors and other medical practitioners such as dentists and pharmacists are ignored.[6]