SL could become top medical tourism destination

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Medical tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the world and Sri Lanka could become one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

He was addressing the 14th annual general meeting of the Government Ayurvedic Medical Officers’ Association in Colombo yesterday.

Minister Rajapaksa said as there are only a few medical tourism destinations, Sri Lanka can easily become a top medical tourism destination.

“Sri Lanka has already become popular among tourists for it’s high quality indigenous treatments. Therefore ayurvedic doctors have a big responsibility to maintain this progress,” the minister said.

Minister Rajapaksa said under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government has made a great effort to develop all important sectors to uplift the country’s economy.

The government has given priority to the tourism industry as the world tourism sector has been expanded interconnecting with other fields, he said.

“The government has also taken measures to promote ayurvedic medicine in the country at national level and encourage private sector initiatives. Under the Divi Neguma programme, the government has taken measures to encourage people to cultivate more herbal plants in their home gardens,” the minister said.

Minister Rajapaksa said the government always tried to provide facilities for Ayurvedic doctors and give recognition to their position.

Government Ayurvedic Medical Officers Association chairman, Western Province Ayurvedic Commissioner Nimal Karunasiri requested the government to give equal recognition to both western and ayurvedic medical branches .

“For the first time the government allocated Rs 300 million to carry out Ayurvedic research. There will be a huge demand for Ayurveda treatment in the future. Ayurvedic practitioners render a great service to the country to meet future demands in the field,” the chairman said.