The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, while discussing NMRA Regulations, I wish to raise current concerns in the health service.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka has a proud health tradition; WHO certified Sri Lanka malaria-free in 2016. We were recognized for sound decision-making in health. However, the 2022 economic crisis severely impacted health: essential and lifesaving medicines became scarce; even patients’ prescriptions were reportedly exploited by some. The sector fell to a low ebb.

¶ 03 The system has not fully recovered; many hospitals still face shortages of essential medicines and critical equipment. Media reported all three MRI scanners at the National Hospital out of service, affecting care.

¶ 04 In Kandy, a key kidney-disease device reportedly lay idle for a long time; patients face shortages of consumables and equipment for dialysis nationwide. Another serious shortage concerns dialysis connector needles—highlighted today under SO 27(2) by the Leader of the Opposition. A staff member here who undergoes dialysis described the dire conditions: inadequate beds, patients waiting on benches.

¶ 05 Basic suture materials (nylon) are sometimes unavailable; patients must buy at private pharmacies. CT/MRI waiting lists are very long. Even glucose test strips are in short supply in places.

¶ 06 At Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, there are significant shortages including oncology medicines. It serves not only Southern but also Sabaragamuwa and Uva patients. ICU admissions once came with a list of sanitation items to purchase; now that list isn’t handed out, but practically patients still struggle—please streamline this to reduce the burden on elderly and poor patients. Dental X-rays are batched due to film shortages; patients end up going private.

¶ 07 Previously I told the Minister that only 5 of 11 ambulances at Karapitiya were operational; it remains so. Please verify independently.

¶ 08 On the 1990 Suwaseriya ambulance service: there were wide-ranging claims about changing name/colour/number (“1990” to “8889”). The World Bank has recognized Suwaseriya for rapid response. It has handled about two million episodes since 2016, with average response in minutes, now reaching rural areas (about 63% of calls). Everyone knows “1990”; please do not alter branding. These are public services, not partisan assets.

¶ 09 We support the Regulations for quality medicines and for enforcing MRPs and distribution caps against overpricing. Thank you.