Health sector to get Rs 8,000 min foreign support

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Many countries and international organizations have agreed to provide Rs 8,000 million for the development of the health sector in 2012, said Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The government has already allocated Rs 100 billion for the health sector and it is the largest amount of funds which were allocated in the history of the health sector.

Many countries including India, Unites States of America, Belgium, Japan and Germany and International organizations including the World Health Organization have agreed to provide financial aid of Rs 8,000 million, said the minister. He also said that main reason for providing aid is the free health service in the country. The international community appreciates the free health service as foreign patients can also get free health facilities through government hospitals.

With all these financial assistances, the ministry plans to develop the infrastructure facilities of hospitals in a proper way and enhance the country's health service, he said.