Healthy growth of child is vital - Prime Minister

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: The Government is very much aware of the necessity for the highest quality of paediatric care for the child while it is also very serious about ensuring proper equity in the provision of such care, Prime Minister Rathansiri Wickremanayake said.

The Prime Minister was deputising for President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the inauguration of the 12th Asia Pacific Congress of Paediatrics and second congress of Paediatric Nursing in conjunction with the 10th annual scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatrician at the BMICH on Monday. Twenty countries in the region participated.

The forum is to deliberate and exchange frank and meaningful views with regard to the ongoing activities and new developments in the field of paediatrics with the intention of fulfilling the vision of “Equity and Quality in paediatric care in the region”.

Prime Minister Wickremanayake said the President expressed his appreciation for the honour bestowed on Sri Lanka and professionals in paediatrics, by holding this session in Sri Lanka.

“Children are our most precious asset. It is the children of today who will continue and take forward whatever we are and whatever we have achieved in this world”, he said.

“The Government considers the improvement of health services for the child to be of paramount importance. The Government is aware that the healthy growth of the child is vital for good health, both physical and mental. The Government would take all steps to achieve the desired goals” the Premier added.

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva thanked all the delegates from foreign countries for participating at the event despite some countries issuing travel warnings to Sri Lanka.

Minister De Silva emphasised that the Government remained committed to preserving the free health services with all the benefits it accrues to the people, especially to children.

The Minister pointed out that Sri Lanka had achieved outstanding health indicators, specially with regards to child care attributing these achievements to the dedication of all relevant parties and emphasised the need to improve on them highlighting malnutrition as a key area. Awards were presented to the outstanding Paediatrician in the Asia Pacific region.

Prof.Lamabadusuriya and Dr.Pushpa Punchihewa too addressed the gathering followed by Prof.Pongsakdhi Visudhipan-President of Asia Pacific Paediatric Association and President of international Paediatric Association Dr.Adenike Grange.

The forum would discuss issues for three more days at the BMICH with the intention of making it a springboard to achieving the desired goals in the field of paediatrics in the Asia Pacific region.