Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, Hon. Minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, with his Deputy and officials, has introduced many new social-welfare features in this Budget—especially mother-and-child protection. We appreciate this and expect further success.

¶ 03 Specifically on Batticaloa: There are many cardiac patients in the Eastern Province, yet there is no government facility anywhere in the East to do angiograms. Even the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital lacks this facility. Patients are sent to Jaffna, which handles all North and East cases, limiting approvals to about eight patients a month, leaving thousands waiting 1–1½ years; many die while waiting. Hon. Minister and Deputy Minister, please establish angiogram facilities at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital urgently.

¶ 04 Regarding the Unani Teaching Hospital at Manchanthoduwai, Batticaloa: it is under the Department of Ayurveda but lacks a permanent MOIC; only acting arrangements exist, hampering progress. Please appoint a permanent MOIC and fill the doctors’ cadre (7 posts, only 2–3 in place).

¶ 05 This is the only Unani Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. The Department requested land for a permanent building; we secured a prime site in town and handed it to the Ministry. Rs. 20 million was allocated; soil tests were done, but no construction has started. Please prioritise this project.

¶ 06 On Pottuvil Hospital: though taken over by the Central Government on 01 August 2024, no official processes have been completed; no allocation was made up to 31 December by the Eastern Provincial Council. There is not even a lorry to collect medicines. The earlier EPC-provided lorry has been withdrawn. Please urgently provide a lorry and an ambulance and complete the central takeover process so the hospital can function well.

¶ 07 In the Eastern Province Ayurveda Department, the Provincial Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Medical Superintendent posts are all vacant. Qualified doctors are available locally. Please conduct interviews and appoint on merit to revitalise the department.

¶ 08 The East, long affected by war, receives very limited funding; the Governor, Secretary, and officials struggle to meet needs, especially in health. Please consider additional support for the Province’s health sector, including to Provincial Council hospitals, alongside central efforts.

¶ 09 Thank you.