He has told 'BBC Sandeshaya' that 230 doctors were required for the province’s hospitals.
Only 55 specialists are available whereas the requirement is 120, said Sathyalingam.
Shortage of nurses
Also, of the 850 nurses requirement, there is a shortfall of 225.
The province’s people do not get the regular health services at least.
All these hospitals without doctors are located in remote areas, to where access roads are in a dilapidated condition.
Pregnant women deliver on the way
As patients are being transported, they die on the way, while pregnant women deliver midway, he said.
The NPC can do very little in this matter, as the central government has powers to fill vacancies and effect transfers, said the provincial health minister.
Even when appointments are made, doctors leave public service to engage in private practice in view of the difficulties in the province, he added.
