The government intends to transform healthcare services from hospital-centered healthcare services to citizen-centered healthcare services – Minister of Health
An entirely new, fully equipped ward complex, constructed with the financial contribution of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, was ceremonially handed over to the public yesterday (12) at the Kataragama Divisional Hospital. The event was presided over by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, R.M. Jayawardena, and the Basnayake Nilame (Chief Custodian) of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Dilshan Gunasekera.
“New ward complex for Kataragama Divisional Hospital”
This modern ward complex, costing 33 million Sri Lankan Rupees, was built under the concept of Basnayake Nilame Dilshan Gunasekera, aiming to fulfil the healthcare needs of the people of Kataragama and the local and foreign devotees who visit the Kataragama sacred site daily. The complex includes a maternity ward and 47 general beds, along with a modern toilet system, a labour room, and rooms for healthcare staff.
After inspecting the new ward complex and addressing the gathering, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, expressed his gratitude, stating that a critical need for the country’s healthcare system has been met due to the concept and unwavering leadership of Basnayake Nilame Dilshan Gunasekera. He extended his appreciation to all who contributed to this commendable effort.
Minister Jayatissa further highlighted other initiatives under the leadership of Basnayake Nilame Dilshan Gunasekera, including the construction and handover of a much-needed bone marrow transplant hospital building for children at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama. He also mentioned that a ward complex for a cardiac catheterization unit is currently under construction at the Monaragala General Hospital, and a program is underway to introduce a new, technologically advanced kitchen system to all hospitals in the country, with the involvement of nutrition specialists.
The Minister emphasized that the Kataragama Divisional Hospital, which serves approximately 25,000 people in the Kataragama area, is a hospital that transcends its regional classification, noting that not all regional hospitals in the country are at this level. He stated that the Ministry of Health has issued a circular outlining the standards for regional hospitals, and while many hospitals have yet to meet these criteria, achieving these benchmarks should be the future goal for all hospitals.
Dr. Jayatissa reiterated the government’s aim to transform the healthcare system from a hospital-centric model to a citizen-centric one, particularly to meet the health needs of the large number of local and foreign visitors to the Kataragama sacred site, and to elevate Kataragama Hospital into a facility capable of providing treatment in all areas. He explained that the current healthcare system is organized around hospitals, but present health data indicates this is no longer adequate, especially as Sri Lanka is a country with a rapidly aging population and a growing challenge from non-communicable diseases.
The Minister acknowledged the shortage of healthcare staff in the country and noted that it takes time to develop this workforce. He stated that while there are currently 43,000 nurses in Sri Lanka, 60,000 are needed to maintain the level of healthcare the public demands. He further announced that 1,000 attendants will be promoted, and 2,000 new health assistants will be recruited in the future, which will take some time.
During the event, commemorative gifts were presented, and a display prepared by the Hospital Development Committee, showcasing the “before” and “after” conditions of the renovated new ward complex, was also unveiled by Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and other dignitaries.
Among those present at the occasion were Ven. Shasthrapathi Kobawaka Dhamminda Nahimi, Chief Incumbent of Kiriwehera Rajamaha Viharaya; Ven. Kapugama Saranatissa Nahimipanan Vahanse, Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magam Paththuwa and Chief Incumbent of Abhinawarama; Ven. Hille Gnanananda Nahimipanan Vahanse, Chief Incumbent of Weragala Rajamaha Viharaya; Ven. Padawgama Jinananda Nahimipanan Vahanse, Chief Incumbent of Mahasen Rajamaha Viharaya, and other members of the Maha Sangha; R.M. Pasan S.B. Rathnayake; government officials from Monaragala and Kataragama districts; District Medical Officer Dr. Chathuri Lanka; Secretary of the Hospital Development Committee Shriyani Kahandagamage; and other members of the Hospital Development Committee and hospital staff.
