Health Min. issues circular on disciplinary action against media statements

Disciplinary action will be taken against any Health Ministry officer who issues statements to the media criticising Government policy and administrative procedures, warned Health Ministry Secretary Dr. S.H. Munasinghe via a circular

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi

dated 10 May.

The circular, which is being shared widely on social media, is being criticised for censoring Health Ministry officers and preventing persons from making statements to the media. It was addressed to all Provincial Health Secretaries and Directors of Health Services, Regional Directors of Health, Heads of Health Ministry Departments, and officers.

The circular states that Health Ministry officers’ actions must instil public trust in health services and the teams carrying out these services and that disciplinary action can be taken against any officer acting against relevant provisions.

It explained that officers sharing incorrect information and criticising health policy could be a barrier to public trust in health services and efficiency in carrying them out.

When questioned about the circular, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said there are certain disciplinary guidelines one must follow when working at the Health Ministry.

“There is some discipline when working for the Health Ministry or a State Department. We cannot make statements as we want to the media whenever we want to,” she said.

Dr. Fernandopulle added that there was no media censorship taking place but that the media had a responsibility to publish factual and accurate information.