The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over reports of people posing as doctors to treat patients in various parts of Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the GMOA revealed that over 40,000 individuals are found to be posing as doctors, treating patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney and heart ailments.

Pointing out that people from other sections of the health sector are found to be posing as doctors and prescribing medicine as well, the GMOA warned this poses a life threat to the patient.

The GMOA said that the matter has been raised with the Ministry of Health, with recommendations being provided to address the issue, but it was regrettable that the Health Ministry has failed to expedite action in this regard.

Calling on the Health Ministry to immediately address the issue of fake doctors, the GMOA said it was willing to provide its full assistance for this purpose.