Top priority for health and education, says Minister
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
GENEVA: Sri Lanka has allocated the highest amount of funds
for health and education sectors, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister
Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
He was addressing the 60th World Health Assembly at the World Health
Organisation in Geneva on May 16.
De Silva said under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership the
Government has increased funds allocated for the health sector by 50 per
cent.
“The highest amount allocated for the health sector so far Rs. 64,000
million was recorded this year,” the Minister said.
Explaining arrangements by the Ministry to upgrade the health sector
de Silva said 1,000 nurses will be recruited while 3,000 paramedics will
be trained. He said 3,000 new midwives will also be recruited.
“Sri Lankan nurses and other health workers have been given the
opportunity to work in foreign countries and obtain overseas training.
Fifteen thousand nurses will be sent to the United Kingdom, Canada and
Australia under this programme,” the Minister said.
Sri Lanka has successfully eradicated polio and also made a
significant progress in controlling dengue and chikungunya. The
Government is trying its best to offer a quality health service to the
public,” the Minister said. Executive Director, WHO, Dr Margaret Chan
chaired the meeting. |