Topic
Healthcare
895 speeches · 200 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 185 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni, M.P. JJB | 62 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 50 |
| 4 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 25 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, M.P. JJB | 18 |
| 6 | Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran, M.P. ITAK | 17 |
| 7 | Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana, M.P. SJB | 14 |
| 9 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 13 |
| 10 | Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.P. SJB | 13 |
Speeches
895 on this topic- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Internship placements are allowed only in Sri Lanka Medical Council-approved hospitals, and Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals are not eligible at present because they lack sufficient board-certified specialists in the four major specialties. The Minister said specialist shortages are being managed through doctors awaiting or pursuing board certification and those returning from overseas training, while advanced investigations are provided through referrals to larger hospitals. He also stated that a policy decision has been taken to upgrade northern hospitals, with funding, recruitment, training, equipment, and supplies being provided. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media about deficiencies in staffing and facilities at Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals, including the absence of internship training for doctors and unfilled specialist vacancies. He questioned whether the Government acknowledged inequities in health services where patients must be referred to other district hospitals for basic examinations and consultations due to inadequate resources. He sought clarification on whether a policy decision would be taken to ensure adequate staff and physical resources for all district hospitals, including Mullaitivu and Mannar. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked whether the Ministry has taken action to reduce microplastics, noting that they are particles under 5 mm that can break down into nanoplastics and are present in products such as toothpaste and cosmetics. He linked their environmental spread to concerns about rising chronic diseases, including cancers, particularly in areas such as Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister presented the Ministry of Health’s Annual Performance Report for 2024 and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Affairs. He also laid before the House regulations made by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Pricing Committee under the NMRA Act and related consumer law provisions, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2446/34 of 21 July 2025, and moved that they be referred to the Advisory Committee on Health and Mass Media. Papers Presented - Annual Reports and Ministry Reports Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni stated that there is no circular preventing the external purchase of rarely used or urgently needed medicines, provided procedures are followed. He defended COPE’s role as identifying irregularities and corruption, rejecting allegations that it is targeting particular individuals or officials. He also questioned Members’ advocacy regarding certain power plants and companies, and noted that COPE had identified serious irregularities, including election-period recruitments, at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital for rectification. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni welcomed the Fourth COPE Report, stating that COPE’s role is to identify shortcomings and guide corrective action rather than directly punish officials. He said COPE’s observations would support reforms at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, particularly regarding the Waiver of Registration process, which he argued had been improperly bypassed in recent years, leading to substandard and harmful imports. He rejected claims of shortages of analgesics and other essential medicines at the Colombo National Hospital, stating that supplies and procurement mechanisms are in place while maintaining regulatory standards. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB AI summary As a COPE member, Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah said the Committee had reviewed 14 of 457 institutions in six months and found Auditor General-reported cases of fraud, waste, and misuse of public funds. He focused on alleged corruption at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, citing the immunoglobulin scandal, adulterated eye drops, and irregular fast-track imports without required documentation, and called for expedited investigations and redress for victims. He also highlighted drug supply disparities affecting government hospitals and urged action on cadre revisions, promotions, and transfers to address staffing shortages in Northern hospitals. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana JJB AI summary Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana commented on the COPE report, highlighting major cost escalations in the Katunayake International Airport expansion project, where he said Rs. 16.728 billion had been spent on designs over more than a decade without completing the work. He also criticized changes to the NMRA medicine import approval process in 2022, alleging that a fast-track pathway enabled substandard and counterfeit medicines to enter the country, causing deaths and vision loss. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking former officeholders to the failures cited in the report and accusing them of attempting to undermine the Government through strikes and allegations. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi JJB AI summary Kandy’s air-quality indicators do not show persistent severe pollution aside from occasional transboundary events. The government will examine hospital-reported respiratory cases, considering other factors such as temperature and humidity, and take action if warranted. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chamindranee Kiriella raised concerns about reported air pollution in Kandy city, particularly around the Kandy Lake roundabout where heavy traffic and schools are located. She cited reports from the Kandy General Hospital of children receiving treatment for respiratory problems, including COPD, and asked what action the Minister would take to address the issue. Oral Question: Air Quality in Kandy City (Q.2/2025) Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns about staffing at Mallavi Base Hospital in Mullaitivu, stating that a physician transferred there from Chavakachcheri had not been released due to GMOA intervention. He asked the Minister of Health whether transfer orders would be enforced and whether action would be taken if he provided evidence that doctors assigned to the hospital attend only one week per month. Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Mullaitivu District General Hospital would be prioritized for construction of the required ward complex. He noted that Cabinet approval had been obtained to allocate an additional Rs. 45 billion over two years to complete 17 stalled construction projects, which would have cost Rs. 29 billion if finished on time. He said the project would use Government of Sri Lanka funds and seek special support from the Government of India, while acknowledging that the process would take time. Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran raised a supplementary question on the condition of the Mullaitivu District General Hospital, noting that its male and female wards operate in temporary buildings and that overcrowding has forced patients to be treated on mats in corridors. He said Mullaitivu and Mannar are the only Vanni district general hospitals listed under hardship areas and requested that the Government give priority to constructing permanent patient wards for these hospitals. Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the male and female wards at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital are currently operating in temporary buildings and that a multi-storey ward complex is planned with Indian assistance. He said project approvals have been obtained, soil investigations were completed in June 2024, and the intergovernmental MoU will be signed after completing requirements including Foreign Ministry and Attorney General concurrence and Cabinet approval. He added that procurement and construction will proceed thereafter, noting a similar Indian-assisted MoU for the Mannar District General Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit has already been signed. Oral Question Q.8/2025: Mullaitivu District General Hospital Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged that although buildings and equipment are available at the relevant health centre, inadequate staffing has limited operations. He said specialist doctors arriving in Sri Lanka will be assigned there, complementary staff are being trained, and remaining vacancies under the 2017 approved cadre are expected to be filled through those currently in training. He added that deployment imbalances have largely been addressed and that special attention will be given to staffing needs at Kilinochchi District General Hospital, including matters discussed at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy raised concern that a Netherlands-funded special women’s treatment centre in Kilinochchi has remained non-operational for years despite having advanced medical equipment, some of which has expired or is nearing expiry. He referred to previous assurances that provincial staff would be assigned on rotation and to a recent local protest, and requested that the Minister and officials visit the centre, appoint staff immediately, and make it operational to serve women in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya. Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary The Minister replied to questions on staffing and facilities in divisional hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, stating that there are 30 such hospitals in total and tabling detailed cadre information. He outlined ongoing recruitment and deployment measures for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, health service assistants, minor staff and drivers, with priority allocations to the North and East where required. Regarding Velanai Divisional Hospital, he confirmed its Type B status from 31 January 2020, provided approved and actual cadre figures, and stated that cadre regularization and facility improvements, including laboratory capacity, will be undertaken by the Northern Provincial Council. Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media for detailed staffing and service information on government divisional hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, including approved and actual cadres, vacancies, and measures to fill posts for doctors, nurses, other employees, pharmacists, and ambulance drivers. He also requested clarification on the grading of Velanai Divisional Hospital as Grade B, its effective date, staffing levels under the grade, and whether laboratory facilities and staff have been provided or planned. Oral Question Q.2/2025: Divisional Hospitals in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts Read →
- 12 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna challenged the rejection of his Question under Standing Order 27(2), arguing that alleged improper Health Ministry payments to a doctor who had gone abroad for five months constituted a national matter. He asked whether public funds allegedly misused in the North should qualify for parliamentary scrutiny under that Standing Order. Procedural Matters: Points of Order and Bill Presentation Read →
- 12 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested that the Government table the unpublished expert committee report on issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, including infrastructure, professorial vacancies, recruitment irregularities, and curriculum revisions. He also asked for a faculty-wise nominal roll of academics with qualifications, and sought clarification from the University Grants Commission on whether recruitment irregularities occurred and what action had been taken. He further raised concerns about inadequate clinical training facilities at Kalutara District General Hospital for the University of Moratuwa Faculty of Medicine, warning that deficiencies such as insufficient beds and lack of minimum standards could affect accreditation, graduation, and internship appointments. Questions by Private Notice: Issues in Education and Higher Education Sectors (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →