The hospitals should have around 300 anesthetists and intensivists, but only 130 are available at present, says the association’s president Dr. Kanishka Indraratne.

Therefore, heart, neurological, maternity surgeries are taking place amidst various difficulties.

As a temporary solution, around 410 physicians serve as anesthetists, according to him.

Despite this dearth, only 24 are undergoing training as anesthetists and intensivists at present, said Dr. Indraratne.