Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the importance of improving hospital environments to provide not just medical care but also mental well-being for patients. He stated that a hospital should not merely be a place for beds, medicines, and medical staff, but also a space where patients feel mentally free and comfortable.
The Minister shared these views during a discussion with officials and hospital committee members following an inspection of patient services at the Agalawatte Pimbura Hospital, where he was born. He stressed the need to maximize the use of hospital land, preserve environmental beauty, and incorporate unique architectural elements to improve healthcare facilities.
Dr. Jayatissa revealed that the government is working on upgrading 130 secondary and tertiary hospitals, which play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, as they account for 75% of the country’s total hospital beds—approximately 60,000 beds. However, he admitted that due to shortages of hospital staff, including specialist doctors, and a lack of essential resources, these hospitals struggle to provide adequate services.
During his visit, the Minister inspected various hospital facilities, including the laboratory, radiology unit, pharmacy, dental clinic, anesthesiolaogy unit, maternity ward, surgical store, drug store, operating room, physiotherapy unit, health education unit, and kitchen.
He also visited the closed gynecology and obstetrics ward and instructed officials to renovate and reopen the facility for patient care as soon as possible.
The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Specialist Dr. D.A.R.K. Dilrukshi, outlined the range of medical clinics currently offered at Pimbura Base aHospital, including medical, pediatric, psychiatric, dermatological, surgical, gynecological, family planning, nutrition, respiratory diseases, wellness, and sexually transmitted diseases clinics.
She further announced plans to establish a new blood bank, a fully equipped operating theater, and an internal medicine clinic in the coming year, aimed at enhancing patient care and hospital services despite existing challenges.
