Sri Lanka, Sept. 8 -- The proposed introduction of a family doctor system in Sri Lanka should be implemented in a manner that strengthens, rather than undermines, the country's free healthcare system, Medical and Civil Rights Doctors' Trade Union Alliance Chairman and Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said the family doctor concept could play an important role in reducing overcrowding at the outpatient departments of major government hospitals and improving the management of patients within the public healthcare system.

However, he said that the initiative should not eventually create a system in which patients are required to bear additional costs to access essential medical services.

According to Dr Sanjeewa, the concept of fam...