Eradicating inequalities
Sri Lankan example:
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Extracts from the speech made by
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka at the Regional Consultation on
Social Determinants of Health held at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, February 18,
2009.
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There are inequalities in plenty between countries, and within
countries too, in most cases. But in our own Sri Lanka there are no
inequalities in the healthcare provided by the state.
|
Prime Minister |
All health services provided by the state, in hospitals, in clinics,
in all other medical institutions maintained by the state, are free for
all citizens. Free not only for the poor but also for the rich. You do
not find this even in socialist countries, except in Cuba where
healthcare is not only free but also excellent.
Education
In Sri Lanka it is not only healthcare that is available free for
everybody, but also education. Education is free from the primary class
through university. And this includes medical college education.
We educate doctors free. But sometimes some of these doctors forget
what they owe the state and the people. They abandon their country to go
abroad to serve the people in some other country, usually in the West.
They forget their own people and go in search of la dolce vita, the
fleshpots of the West.
Some of these doctors have not only got free education here but go
abroad for specialisation on scholarships provided by the state. Then
they qualify as specialists, and do not come back. Sadly, not all those
who stay back are patriotic and grateful to their country. They go on
strike at the slightest provocation.
Peculiar
Perhaps this is not a situation peculiar to Sri Lanka, in our part of
the world. There are historical, sociological and economic factors that
we share. This regional conference should discuss all that too, and look
for solutions that would improve our common lot.
As for the state, the overall emphasis of state policy of the
government of Sri Lanka has been on social justice and equity, on
economic well being and fundamental human rights. The policy of the
state with regard to health care and social welfare has remained fairly
consistent and stable.
Population
Sri Lanka has made and continues to make, substantial investments in
healthcare, education and poverty alleviation.
The poor segments of the population have benefitted much due to such
investments. The state regards health and education as crucial to
socio-economic development.
That is why Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of literacy and of
life expectancy in the region. We have a literacy rate of 90.1 per cent
and a life expectancy rate of 70.7 for males and 75.4 for females.
There is also substantial investment in poverty alleviation. But for
this unfortunate armed conflict which has been debilitation our
resources, in money, materials and man power, for almost three decades
we could have been much better off materially, and with peace more peace
of mind and contentment.
I am pleased to be able to tell you that conflict is about to be
over. The armed band of barbaric terrorists, described by international
observers as the most ruthless terrorists in the world, are now reduced
to a small fraction of what they were and have been cornered by the
state’s armed forces in a desolate patch of jungle in the North of our
country. There will be peace soon.
Declining
Even with this conflict with separatist terrorists going on Sri
Lanka’s poverty rate has been declining steadily. As for environmental
legislation, the Constitution of Sri Lanka makes it the duty of every
person to protect nature and conserve its riches.
The national environmental policy renews commitment of Government, in
partnership with the people, to manage effectively the environment for
the benefit of the present and future generations. |
