Minor state health facilities to be upgraded

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry has commenced a special project at a cost of Rs. 10 Billion to assist small scale state health institutions that come under the Provincial Councils (PCs) on the direction of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

Rs. 180 million has already been distributed among PCs to develop rural hospitals, central dispensaries, maternity homes etc located in Provinces, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to him, the rest of the funds (Rs. 1820 million) are to be granted to the PCs on demand. The funds will be granted when the PCs present reports detailing their requirements.

The main objectives of this project is reducing the congestion in the main hospitals countrywide and offering a clean and attractive environment for the patients who visit rural state medical institutions for treatment.

At present there are 1047 state health institutions countrywide and only 47 of them are administrated by the Health Ministry (the Central Government). The rest (1,000) come under the PCs. The 47 health institutions handled by the Health Ministry and all main hospitals that come under the PCs receive adequate funds for development and rehabilitation but the minor state health institutions do not receive adequate funds and attention.

The new programme will cover these small scale institutions, he said. All rural hospitals central dispensaries, maternity homes etc will be rehabilitated under the programme . Painting buildings, furniture etc, repairing drainages, toilets etc, will also be carried out, he added.