Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health

¶ 01 In reply to the question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Waiting lists at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (by surgery type): - General paediatric surgeries: 593 - ENT surgeries: 266 (including 130 for cochlear implants) - Orthopaedic surgeries: 48 - Neurosurgeries: 19 - Ophthalmic surgeries: 388 - Cardiothoracic surgeries: 1,025 - Plastic surgeries: 240 - Spinal surgeries: 133 Total: 2,712

¶ 03 (ii) Surgeries performed: - 2020: Major 2,782; Minor 7,441; Intermediate 3,812; Total 14,035 - 2021: Major 2,634; Minor 5,695; Intermediate 3,155; Total 11,484 - 2022: Major 2,706; Minor 9,239; Intermediate 4,533; Day surgeries 2,122; Total 18,600 (Cumulative totals to date: Major 46,321; Minor 24,767; Intermediate 8,180; Overall 94,755) [as reported]

¶ 04 (iii) Measures to reduce waiting times: - Since 2022, a dedicated theatre system established for orthopaedic, plastic and spinal surgeries. - Upon completion of the Little Hearts Complex by end of this year, ICU capacity will improve, enabling an increase in weekly cardiac surgeries. - Acquisition of essential equipment such as laparoscopic systems through donations during the COVID period allowed uninterrupted surgeries. - Restarting the Day Surgery Unit (same-day surgeries). - Though the hospital lacks an in-house neurosurgery unit, neurosurgeries are performed in collaboration with the National Hospital of Sri Lanka; kidney transplants also commenced in collaboration with the National Hospital. - Augmenting linen supply; procurement initiated and orders placed for one 100 kg washer and one 100 kg dryer, expected within two months. - Increasing approved cadre. - Commencing surgeries with foreign surgical teams in collaboration. - Implementing a new theatre information system.

¶ 05 (b) Does not arise.