Sri Lanka, Aug. 7 -- Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today revealed that there is a shortage of 1,139 specialist doctors in Sri Lanka.

He told Parliament that only 2042 specialist doctors are available in 134 secondary, tertiary and specialised-care hospitals where specialist doctors' services must be available.

Responding to a question by MP Nishantha Samaraweera, the Minister said the country has lost the services of 570 specialist doctors due to various reasons such as retirement, resignation and vacating services.

He said 233 specialist doctors have retired between 2020 and 2024, 82 have vacated the services, seven have resigned, 57 have assigned to other institutions on various requirements and 191 specialist doctors have go...