The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 I wish to present a few points in the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Mass Media. First, regarding the Muslim Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

¶ 03 Since before Independence, Muslim programming has been broadcast on Sri Lanka Radio. From 1950, dedicated Muslim time has been allocated, and to date morning and night programmes are aired. In the absence of a separate radio service for Muslims, they depend on SLBC’s Muslim Service for information—such as the official moon-sighting announcement and other notices—so this is the main medium for Sri Lankan Muslims, including religious and social awareness.

¶ 04 Recently, there is a complaint that the Muslim Service carries more Muslim commercial advertisements than programmes. While revenue is necessary, ad time should be limited. During Ramadan, 40 minutes of ads are aired, leading to complaints that devotees get irritated and the sanctity of Ramadan is affected. I request the Minister to address this and provide a solution.

¶ 05 Though the service earns good revenue, there is no proper administrative structure—there is no dedicated Muslim Service Director; many staff are non-permanent. Please take steps to improve quality, including appointing an advisory committee. The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum submitted a detailed letter with recommendations to the SLBC Chairman last week; a report also appeared in the “Vidivelli” newspaper. I submit copies to be recorded in Hansard and request appropriate action.

¶ 06 Next, some health issues in our district. Hon. Minister is present. Trincomalee District has 11 DS divisions. There are a general hospital, base hospitals, district, peripheral, rural hospitals and primary medical care units. Trincomalee General Hospital and Kantalai Base Hospital function under the Central Government; others under the Provincial Council.

¶ 07 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are increasing, especially in Padavi Siripura, Gomarangadawala, Morawewa, and Kinniya. At Padavi Siripura Hospital, many doctors and nurses are from outside the district without accommodation; staff quarters are needed. Please take steps to construct new quarters.

¶ 08 Padavi Siripura, with a high number of CKD patients, has a ward building constructed for renal patients but not yet opened. As a result, patients travel 20 km to Padaviya in Anuradhapura, or to Vavuniya, or 70 km to Trincomalee for dialysis. Please expedite opening of the renal ward.

¶ 09 There is only one pharmacist; when on leave, a minor employee handles drug issuing. Given transport difficulties and poverty, please upgrade this hospital and provide resources.

¶ 10 At Gomarangadawala Peripheral Hospital, there is staff shortage and drug shortage; upgrading would benefit a backward area.

¶ 11 Pulmoddai Hospital serves over 25,000 people. Though upgraded to a base hospital, physical resource needs have not been met—upgraded in name only. An MS should be appointed. Only 3 doctors serve where 12 are needed; 12 nurses where 25 are needed; 14 minor employees where 30 are needed. There are shortages of dentist, pharmacist, dispenser, DO, and MSO. Please consider these.

¶ 12 Kuchchaveli is designated a peripheral hospital but serves 15 villages and about 8,000 people. There are no basic facilities. No pharmacist has been available for five years; a minor employee handles dispensing. There are shortages of doctors, administrative staff, nurses, and minor employees. Please address these.

¶ 13 Thoppur Peripheral Hospital serves 25,000–30,000 people. Only two doctors and three nurses serve; there are shortages across cadres. People expect a Type “C” hospital to be upgraded to Type “B”. We also heard that the Government has allocated funds recently; please ensure they are used to meet physical resource needs. I submit a related request to be recorded.

¶ 14 More than 100,000 people use Kinniya Hospital. For five years there has been no paediatrician. We brought this to your attention with a letter; you promised a solution, and a decision was taken to appoint one. Media reported that the appointed doctor was transferred elsewhere. Please look into this and provide a proper solution.

¶ 15 Nearly 100,000 people use Kinniya and Mutur Hospitals, which are under the Provincial Council, and there are many maintenance difficulties. Therefore, please consider bringing them under the Central Government.

¶ 16 At present, Ayurvedic doctors are protesting because their additional overtime payments have not been provided. Only 1 per cent of the total health allocation has been given to them. Please address their demands and take necessary steps. Thank you for the opportunity.