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| Friday, 16 April 2004 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Budgetary funds allocated for the health sector will be increased from the present 1.3 per cent of the GDP to 2.5 per cent, the new Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva pledged yesterday. "This increased allocation will be affective from next year and I believe it will help to make a radical change in the health service," Minister de Silva told a large gathering of Ministry employees and media personnel after assuming duties in his new portfolio. "This will be part of a bid to raise the country's health sector and function as a model for other Asian countries. Our Government is committed to maintain a free and satisfactory health care system for the benefit of the people of this country," he stressed. The Minister said this step would fulfil a promise made by the Freedom Alliance in its election manifesto. "I am confident that with the existing human resources and increased funds, Sri Lanka's health service will surpass other countries in the South - East Asia region." However, Minister de Silva elaborated that the increase in funds itself would not help meet the aspirations of people seeking treatment at the Government Hospitals. "We have to take effective measures to ensure a quality service providing equal health care throughout the country." He also stressed that there should be a change of attitude among the hospital staff to provide such a quality service to the people. "It will be a challenge to make a change in the attitude but we have to go for that. Then only can we make best use of increased funds allocated to this sector." Minister de Silva also outlined the necessity of implementing proper management techniques for utilisation of allocated resources. "There should be proper management from the top level of the Health Ministry to the remote dispensary. We all have to be committed for ensuring such an efficient and satisfactory service." The Minister pointed out the importance of monitoring private health sector institutions. "Such institutions are mushrooming in the country. At the same time, patients should be given a better and equal service to the money they paid for those private institutions. We have to take sufficient measures to monitor such institutions to ensure a satisfactory service to the people." He also called on all trade unions to extend their cooperation to the new Government to meet the aspirations and hopes of the new Government. |
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