Congestion at CNH:

Ministry blames beggars

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

A Health Ministry spokesman said yesterday one reason for congestion at the Colombo National Hospital during festive seasons and long weekends is beggars getting admitted to the hospital for free food, lodging and care.

The spokesman said another reason for this artificial congestion is patients being transfered from other hospitals.

"During festive seasons and long weekends, doctors and other health staff go on holiday and they transfer patients to the Colombo National Hospital or base hospital of the area stating that they cannot manage the patient," he said.

During festive seasons and long weekends many patients obtain treatment from the Colombo National Hospital for alcohol related sicknesses. "The public believe that a better care can be obtained for even a minor sickness from the base hospital than from a provincial hospital.

Due to these reasons congestion at the CNH and base hospitals get worse during festive seasons and long weekends, he said.

"The Ministry will upgrade district hospitals to base hospitals under Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena's guidance as a remedy to this problem. Provincial Hospitals will also be provided. In addition, community health development programs will be implemented countrywide through hospitals and Family Health Centres to prevent diseases. This is one of the advices given by International Aid Organizations. This will decrease the number of patients," the spokesman added.