Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children has a total of 2,712 children on its surgical waiting list, Health Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni disclosed in Parliament. 

The figure was provided in response to a question from MP Rohini Wijerathne.

The breakdown shows 1,025 children waiting for cardiothoracic surgeries, 593 for general surgeries, 388 for eye surgeries, 266 for ENT procedures, and 240 for plastic surgeries. 

Additionally, 133 children are awaiting spinal surgeries, 48 for orthopaedic procedures, and 19 pending neurosurgeries.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the significant demand for surgical services at the hospital, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing the surgical backlog for children.