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Ministry to conduct islandwide health survey

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

An islandwide health survey will be undertaken by the Health, Nutrition and Welfare Ministry from next week to obtain comparable information for the improvement of the health sector.

The Ministry with the assistance of the World Health Organisation (WHO) will undertake the survey covering the Western Province from next week. It will extend to other districts in February.

The main objectives of the survey is to develop a means of providing low-cost, valid, reliable and comparable information. "They will be used to build the evidence base to monitor whether the health systems are achieving the desired goals," a Ministry spokesman told the Daily News.

He said this kind of survey is being done in Sri Lanka after many years and it would help improve the country's health system. This would also provide policy-makers with the evidence they need to adjust their strategies and programmes as necessary, he added.

A sample of around 5000 respondents will be selected on a random basis.

The spokesman said the WHO has developed and implemented a global survey programme to compile comprehensive baseline information on the health of the population, on the outcomes associated with the investment in health sector, the way health systems are currently functioning and ability to monitor inputs, functions and outcomes.

The survey will focus on general information about the respondents including health status and perception about risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise. It also refers to the births and deaths in the country while paying more attention to major diseases such as HIV, TB, diabetes etc.

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