The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 I have raised several times in this House about the Karapitiya Hospital. Not only people from the South, but also from Uva, Sabaragamuwa and the Southern Province come there. It is a main hospital that renders a great service to the public. However, there is a shortage of ambulances. Although there are 11 ambulances, only about five operate on any given day. Even though we are told they operate daily, we learn upon inquiry that they are used no more than five or six times a day. The lack of functioning ambulances for repairs is a common problem in all hospitals.

¶ 02 In our district, at the Baddegama Hospital, a patient who was being transported in an ambulance fell out; this was officially recorded. I request that these matters be looked into urgently.

¶ 03 I will not take more time. If I can save a minute, I will yield to our other speakers because time is needed now; everyone is waiting to speak today. Health issues are faced by everyone—across provinces, personally, and by our voters. Therefore, Hon. Minister, please take these matters into consideration and fulfill your responsibilities in this powerful Ministry. I say this trusting that you, more than those around you, will listen with humility. I wish you strength to carry out these tasks, and I conclude.