A recent investigation into the Ministry of Health has revealed that 705 government medical officers who vacated their posts owe the State a total of Rs. 1,156 million, while another 116 officers owe Rs. 119 million, bringing the total outstanding amount to over Rs. 1.27 billion.
The figures were revealed in a special audit report into the medical officers who had vacated posts and attachments of foreign-trained specialist medical officers.
Foreign-trained specialist doctors have failed to fulfill their service obligations under government bonds, with recovery of dues progressing slowly, the report said. Some officers have not returned to serve after overseas training, despite signing agreements with the Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry has been urged to recover the outstanding amounts promptly and to enforce disciplinary and legal measures against defaulters to ensure accountability within the public health service. (Newswire)