Developing rural health sector vital - President

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The Government will take all steps necessary to take services centred in the cities to remote areas of the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Addressing a ceremony to hand over appointments to 57 new dentists at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa said that the development of the rural health sector was essential to ensure the general health and well-being of all Sri Lankans.

Out of the 57 newly appointed dentists, 51 will be posted to the remote and under-developed areas of the country including Mannar, Killinochchi, Point Pedro, Kinniya, Muttur, Moneragala, Anuradhapura, Lunugamwehera, Mihintale and Meegahatenna.

The President said that the Government intended to provide overseas training to doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of the health sector with the objective of improving the local health service.

"It is our wish to see Sri Lankans who receive training abroad serving their own country and people.

At present the Government spends around 47 per cent of the national revenue on government employees," he said.

Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that another 350 persons who have qualified as dentists will receive their appointments as dentists shortly.