Dr Nishan Silva and his wife Dr Madu Silva relocated from Deniliquin earlier this year due to the growing education needs of their children.
But Dr Nishan said a medical practice he established with some friends from the medical fraternity stands ready to take on the challenge at Deniliquin.
The practice - Quantum Clinical Care PTY LTD - replaced Ochre Health as the manager of the Barham Medical Centre, and was able to increase the doctors from two to five in just one year.
“Quantum has since thrived, launching a dedicated Telehealth service and a second clinic in rural Victoria,” Dr Nishan said.
In a Letter to the Editor sent to the Pastoral Times (see page 4), in which he laments having to leave the medical centre and commits to returning to Deniliquin in the future, Dr Nishan said Quantum would submit a formal expression of interest application to the council.
“It saddens us to witness Deniliquin facing challenges in healthcare,” he said.
“Regardless of differing perspectives, important decisions have been made, and the future is now in motion.
“Listening to the concerns of our friends, colleagues, and former patients has inspired us to take a proactive step forward.
“Thus, we are committed to stepping up as Quantum to take over the Medical Centre when the Edward River Council calls for expressions of interest.
“Both Madu and I have a deep familiarity with the community, the clinic staff, and the local healthcare landscape.”
The future management of the Deniliquin Medical Centre has become one of the most discussed local issues, following Edward River Council’s decision to terminate Ochre Health’s lease early and seek a new operator for the facility.
Ochre Health has managed the centre since 2012, with its lease due to run until October 2027.
However, council announced on July 3 that, after discussions about the long-term delivery of healthcare services, there would be an early termination of the arrangement.
Council said Ochre would continue providing medical services during the transition period while alternative operators are explored.
Mayor Ashley Hall said council believed it was time to consider a different approach to improving healthcare access in Deniliquin.
The decision prompted an immediate and strong response from sections of the community.
Many have expressed anxiety about what the change could mean for local healthcare services and the security of existing patient-doctor relationships.
The debate intensified when long-serving Deniliquin GP Dr Albert Liebenberg publicly criticised the process.
Dr Liebenberg questioned whether sufficient due diligence, consultation and transparency had occurred before the decision was made.
He stated that doctors delivering care through the centre had not been adequately consulted and raised concerns about the governance surrounding the lease termination.
While opinions remain divided, all parties have emphasised the importance of maintaining local healthcare services.
The expression of interest process is now underway to identify “suitably qualified and capable providers” through an open process.
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