Speaking to the media in Colombo yesterday (14), he said the health ministry prepared appointment lists to ensure doctors to all hospitals, cannot be implemented due to those oppositions.

Certain doctor unions prey on patients and stage strikes when these appointments are going to be effected, and decisions cannot be taken to endanger patients’ lives, he said.

Hospitals in Peradeniya and Batticaloa have treatment units with modern facilities, but are without doctors, he noted.