Northern healthcare, govt priority - Minister

The government has begun rebuilding the conflict-affected Northern province. Over 75 new healthcare institutions have been set up in this region to provide services to the newly resettled population.

A large number of healthcare personnel including specialists have been posted to these areas and the government has also supplied essential medical equipment, said Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena addressing the 64th World Health Assembly yesterday.

The 64th World Health Assembly commenced at the WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland yesterday under the leadership of WHO General Director Dr Margaret Chan.

“We all are aware that the whole world is passing through turbulent times. Health systems are being challenged by unprecedented factors such as natural calamities, climate change, emerging and re-emerging diseases and non communicable diseases leading to growing vulnerability of the health sector,” Minister Sirisena said.

He said therefore the WHO as the leader in global health and all member states and partners, have a greater responsibility in overcoming the difficulties faced by the health sector to promote primary healthcare, improve equity, achieve universal coverage and fulfil community aspirations.