The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I welcome the Adjournment Motion on challenges faced by medical specialists brought today by Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna. This is an important and timely matter. I thank him, the Member who moved it, and Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah who spoke from the Government side.

¶ 02 As I did not get time during the Committee Stage debate on the Health Ministry’s budget, I wish to highlight some health sector deficiencies in Mullaitivu District. I trust the Hon. Minister of Health will consider these. We have already submitted the district’s health needs to the Hon. Minister, and we are confident he will take note. There is a manpower shortage in all sectors, including medical, in the hospitals there. The District General Hospital urgently needs building facilities. Patients suffer without adequate inpatient accommodation. There is an essential need for more ambulances in Mullaitivu, Alampil, Kokkulai and several other places.

¶ 03 Hon. Minister, Mullaitivu District is a highly underdeveloped district. I trust you will pay attention to its development needs. I also request that you visit Mullaitivu, observe the deficiencies directly, and address them. Thank you.