Upgrading health sector:

Ministry to spend Rs 15,000m this week

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry is to spend Rs 15,000 million during this week to upgrade the health sector in the country to mark the commencement of the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Both human and physical resources in the sector are to be upgraded, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, several projects and programs have already been commenced in which the funds have been invested. All projects and programs launched in 2008 and 2009 and completed by now, will be handed over to the public. All building complexes will be made available for services. All projects and programs that were put on hold and those in progress will be completed during this week.

During the week, the Ministry offered free medical check ups for over 150 media personnel and all staff members attached to the Health Ministry and the Department of Health. The Ministry has promoted all eligible staff members in all grades. New appointments were given to 47 family health officers, 41 minor staff supervisors, 14 storekeepers, 86 lift operators, 55 cooks for hospital kitchens and 196 workers, he said.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena stressed the importance of giving priority and due recognition to all citizens for a healthy life when Sri Lanka becomes the Wonder of Asia, he added.