The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip

¶ 01 Hon. Member, taking the overall picture, Puttalam Base Hospital is an “A” grade base hospital. We recognize there is a case to upgrade it to a District General Hospital (DGH). Of all districts, Puttalam is the only district where the principal town lacks a DGH. Considering population distribution and inflow from other districts, there are sufficient positive factors for an upgrade.

¶ 02 The Ministry’s National Health Policy is in its final stage, and parallel to that we are preparing a Strategic Master Plan. Broadly, we are considering proposals to upgrade four “A” grade base hospitals to DGHs. I will not name them now. However, note that we will not upgrade any hospital by changing only the code; first, we will provide necessary buildings and, in a phased manner, the required human resources. The gap between a DGH and an “A” base hospital is significant; upgrading requires substantial resources. I accept Puttalam is an “A” grade base hospital, but even the base-level required facilities are not yet fully complete.

¶ 03 Next year, Rs. 31 billion is allocated for developing base hospitals. Most of these are under Provincial Councils. We will expedite construction and increase staffing. As cadre norms are upgraded, staffing issues will be addressed and expedited. Not only in Puttalam but nationwide, people’s expectations will be met. Nevertheless, we will proceed in line with the Ministry’s ten-year plan. Thank you for raising this, Hon. Member.