Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has raised concerns about the provision of physical resources to government hospitals without proper planning, leading to inefficiencies and allegations against both the hospitals and the Ministry. He noted that while buildings and medical equipment are frequently supplied, they often do not align with the hospitals’ capacities or actual needs, and a lack of staff to operate the equipment further compounds the problem.
The Minister expressed these concerns during a recent discussion with the administration of Seeduwa Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital regarding the hospital’s current operations and future treatment plans. Established in memory of the late artist Vijaya Kumaratunga, the hospital was inaugurated by then-President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on October 9, 1999. Former President Kumaratunga currently serves as the Chairperson of the hospital’s Board of Directors.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the hospital’s performance from 2020 onward, including government grants, financial activities, and the estimated capital budget for medical equipment, furniture, and buildings for 2025. He emphasized the need for more systematic implementation of programs offering free treatment to low-income earners and kidney patients, including services like contact lenses.
Minister Jayatissa also assured that the Ministry would work on fulfilling key requests from the hospital management, such as acquiring and maintaining essential medical equipment and collaborating with the treasury to exempt hospital donations from taxes. These measures aim to streamline the hospital’s operations and enhance its ability to provide quality healthcare services.
