Sri Lanka Explores Measures to Reduce Surgical Waiting Lists in Public Hospitals

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, held a high-level meeting with health sector leaders on February 18 to address the growing backlog of patients awaiting surgeries in public hospitals.

The discussion, held at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on forming a special committee to explore solutions through the President’s Fund to expedite surgical procedures. The committee is expected to present a report within a month, after which necessary actions will be taken.

A significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and pediatric surgeries, remain on long waiting lists due to resource constraints in government hospitals. The meeting examined how the President’s Fund, along with other relevant sectors, could provide financial and logistical support to address this challenge.

Officials also discussed the feasibility of conducting surgeries beyond regular working hours to reduce waiting times. Challenges faced by doctors and medical staff in implementing such measures were also highlighted.

Key attendees included Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, and senior officials from major hospitals.

Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, which provides free medical services to its citizens, has been struggling with increased demand and limited resources, leading to prolonged surgical delays. The government’s latest initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency for those in urgent need of medical procedures.