Rs 3 billion to combat NCDs

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry named 2013 as the ‘Year of Preventing Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and allocated Rs 3 billion to implement programmes to prevent and control NCDs, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilleke said.

According to Dr Jayatilleke, the biggest ever budgetary allocation made by a Sri Lankan government for the health sector has been made by the UPFA government this year which is Rs 125 billion.

“It is the duty of all health staff to deliver their service to the public considering it as something personal and not disappointing people visiting the ministry seeking assistance,” he said.

Health Ministry staff held a special ceremony yesterday to mark the first working day of the New Year. Addressing the event, Dr Jayatilleke pointed out the importance of efficiency in carrying out all duties assigned to public servants.

Director General, Health Services Dr Palitha Mahipala and Ministry officials were also present.