The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Committee Stage debate on the Heads of Expenditure of the Ministries of Health and Mass Media.

¶ 02 Ours is a country with over 95% literacy. Our people elected this Government to alleviate their pains and hardships. Accordingly, we have allocated substantial funds for key sectors — about Rs. 654 billion for free healthcare and its development. When the country went bankrupt, not only the Treasury but the drug stores of the health sector were left empty. When drug procurement was discussed in this House back then, the Health Minister of that time cynically said, “Flower shops near hospitals depend on hospitals.” He later faced the consequences. There was about a three-year drug shortage. Now, we have followed proper procurement and gradually reduced drug shortages. In the 2026 Budget, about Rs. 187 billion is allocated for drug procurement, and we expect to ensure uninterrupted supply.

¶ 03 The next major challenge is human resources. After bankruptcy, many health workers left the country. Health workers deal with lives; proper training and scientific cadre analysis are needed to appoint the right people to the right places. We are undertaking a cadre revision and expect that by the Tamil month of Thai (around January), shortages will gradually reduce and we can deliver services efficiently.

¶ 04 Also, there are vacancies for medical administrators in the Ministry and some hospitals. With the PSC’s assistance, we are expediting these appointments, which are vital for day-to-day hospital operations.

¶ 05 In the Northern Province, shortages have caused serious impacts because services have long been neglected. Former Provincial Minister Dr. Sathiyalingam told this House there were many issues even during his tenure. We will progressively resolve them. In island off-shore areas — Neduntivu (Delft), Analaitivu, Nainativu — key issues include ambulance boat service, lab facilities, drug suppliers, and pharmacists. We will act on these from Thai.

¶ 06 At the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, we strove to establish a maternity building; it did not materialize, but now some overseas well-wishers have agreed to donate a 10-storey building. We have sent the Cabinet paper; once approved, work will start. Across Point Pedro, Tellippalai, Chavakachcheri, and Urumpirai hospitals there are cadre shortages; we will address them soon.

¶ 07 We intend to open an Internal Audit Unit for monitoring and evaluation in major hospitals. About 2,050 Ayurvedic graduates remain unemployed; we must create opportunities and develop the indigenous medical sector as well.

¶ 08 In the North, when giving new appointments after cadre revision, we will give priority to long-serving hospital volunteers, appointing qualified persons and integrating them into service.

¶ 09 Health workers — medical officers, allied health professionals, nurses, and other staff — often work up to 18 hours in a 24-hour day. We appreciate their dedication, will fill required cadres swiftly, and ensure quality healthcare for the public. Thank you.