The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media:

¶ 02 (a) Will he inform this House— (i) the number of students admitted to Government universities in Sri Lanka for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical education from 2021 to date, separately for each year; (ii) the number of doctors who have completed their education in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine, finished their internship and are currently awaiting employment; (iii) the number of approved cadre, actual cadre and existing vacancies of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani doctors at present in Siddha and Ayurveda hospitals, separately; and (iv) the obstacles to offer appointments to unemployed graduates of indigenous medicine in Government Ayurveda hospitals to enhance the efficiency of the indigenous medical service? (b) If not, why?

¶ 03 Hon. Minister, whether Western medical services or indigenous medical services, our request is to ensure balanced service provision to the Vanni District. In Mullaitivu, of the 14 sanctioned community medical officers for indigenous medicine, only one is serving—there are 13 vacancies. How can an effective service be provided across the whole district with only one officer? Over 2,000 graduates who completed Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (including internship) await appointments, and over 3,000 are currently studying. Will Government give them a clear assurance—state employment or to pursue private practice? Please clarify.

¶ 04 Further, the Mullaitivu District Siddha Hospital is ideal for medical tourism, paid units, and integrated services. If the Ministry can allocate funds in 2026 to expand appropriate infrastructure—women’s, men’s, special care units, dispensary, herbal garden, traditional diet center, laboratory, and paid Siddha service—the hospital could become a leading Siddha service center in the Northern Province. I request special consideration for both staffing and infrastructure development.