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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday stressed that more attention should be paid to upgrade the health services in Sri Lanka even though country has figured top among developing countries as far as the health sector is concerned.

"We have a very long way to go, the President remarked referring to prerequisite developments in the health sector.

President Kumaratunga was addressing a ceremony after opening the new 14 storey Asiri Surgical Hospital, located on two acres at Kirimandala Mawatha, Narahenpita.

The hospital which has a 100 bed capacity provides the latest surgical facilities and specialises in every type of general and advanced surgery except cardiac surgery.

The President noted that ultra-modern treatment available at the hospital will lead to substantial improvement in the country's sector.

"I am sure that the Asiri Hospital will continue to ensure an excellent health service as they have done in the past," she said.

She recalled that the Government has extended many incentives and assistance were extended to the private sector some years back to encourage them to make investment in the health sector." As a result, the private health sector developed immensely and I am happy that Asiri has used these facilities to extend their investment in the health sector and further improve their services."

While acclaiming the country's health achievements, the President said Sri Lanka has been congratulated by the world for its achievements in the health and education sectors, but she lamented there is a drop in those sectors over the years.

The President noted that private sector should play more bigger role in improving the health sector.

She recalled that some years ago she took efforts to formulate a policy to further develop the health sector and said the present Minister of Health has to take up that task in making those implementations.

President Kumaratunga who noted that poverty leads to certain diseases among the public urged that both the Government and private sector should take steps to resolve problems leading to poverty and ensure the well-being of the public.

Amongst medical services available at the new hospital include orthopaedic, endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (where a tiny camera and surgical devices are inserted into the body and the surgeon views the operation on video monitor), oncology (cancer treatment), neurology and advanced neurology and eye and ENT treatment and surgery. The hospital consists of four fully equipped operating theatres in the main operating suite, a day surgery theatre and an endoscopy room.

Health, Nutrition and Welfare Minister P. Dayaratne said that the Government is committed to encourage the private sector to make their investment in the health sector.

He explained that such investment by the private sector will help to ease the burden on the public sector and further improve the country's health sector with modern equipment.

Managing Director of Asiri Hospitals Group of Companies Ananda Wimalasena said their aim is to provide world class surgical care to the people using latest medical equipment.

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