Drunk drivers to be billed

Nadira Gunatilleke

A circular will be issued in the next two weeks in connection with charging money from alcoholic accident victims for the medical treatment given to them by State hospitals.

“This will be done on the diagnosis of the doctor,” Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Minister Sirisena said that at the moment medical treatment offered to all patients in State hospitals is free of charge. But after issuing the relevant circular in the next two weeks steps will be taken to charge money from the alcoholic accident patients who receive treatment from State hospitals. The doctor who treats the patient will take the decision.

According to Minister Sirisena the money will be diverted to the hospital development fund of the relevant hospital. The money charged from the alcoholic accident victims will not be remitted to the Treasury or Ministry accounts to use for any other task.

“The main objective of this system is ensuring an equal development in all sectors in the country. Both spiritual and material development is required to balance the development under the Mahinda Chinthana Vision for the future,” he said.

He promised to provide all required medical equipment, human resources and other resources for the National Kidney Transplant and Research Unit at Maligawatta.

“A part of Rs 900 million allocated from the budget will be used to complete the operations of the unit. The task will be given priority and the ordered medical equipment will reach the country by April this year. A part of the batch of new nurses to be appointed shortly will be posted to the unit,” he added.