Sri Lanka, July 21 -- A circular issued by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIM) has sparked concern over the functioning of specialist medical services, with a doctors' trade union warning that it could disrupt healthcare delivery across the country.

The circular, issued by the Senior Registrar of the PGIM on June 26 to all Directorates of Studies, states that acting specialist doctors who have completed their specialist medical training but have not yet obtained the PGIM Board Certificate should not independently examine patients, make clinical decisions, or issue medical recommendations within their specialty.

Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman and Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said t...