The health and wellbeing of our families and of ourselves is of paramount importance to any rational person. A health emergency makes even the most reliant person or family fragile and vulnerable, with quick access to emergency healthcare and hospitalisation a key necessity in any country. In Sri Lanka, many could not afford an Ambulance until recently, when the ‘Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service came into existence. While the introduction of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ‘Suwa Seriya’ and the ‘1990’ hotline faced many challenges and allegations at the beginning, almost all Sri Lankans would be steadfast in recognising the invaluable service ‘Suwa Seriya’ offers to all. The ambulance service, which was initiated with the support of Indian assistance, helped save thousands of lives, and offered care and assistance to many more.

Therefore, one has to question why the government has failed to take  this critical service seriously and ensure its uninterrupted service. Today, the ‘Suwa Seriya’ program is struggling to keep afloat, while the government takes a victory lap about achieving ‘stabilisation’. However, today, ‘Suwa Seriya’ is left with no option to seek support from any party that is willing to extend sustenance. Why hasn’t the government prioritised vital frontline emergency services such as the ‘Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service? Many have asked, but the state remains mum.

During the past few months, the ‘Suwa Seriya’ Foundation has been seeking support to keep afloat the ambulance service, and in response, several private companies and private parties came forward to render assistance. However, as per the reports, the situation is such that the support it is receiving is inadequate. According to the available information, the ambulance service requires approximately Rs. 4 billion a year to sustain their operations. However, it is learnt that the Treasury is only in a position to provide Rs. 2.5 billion a year. While it is understandable that even the government is struggling with funds, the fact that the country has failed to prioritise a critical service that is instrumental in saving lives, is alarming.

Sri Lanka's health service is in a crisis where the provision of even the most basic facilities has become a challenge, and in such a context, the usefulness of a free-of-charge health service, with first aid and paramedic capability cannot be overlooked. The government does not have enough money for everything it needs to, and everyone knows it. However, when the amount of funds allocated through the budget for various other sectors such as defence, public security, and the massive parliamentary establishment, which surely cost more than Rs. 4 billion, the public is well within its rights to question why the government cannot redirect some funds to ensure ‘Suwa Seriya’ remains operational? This is a question every citizen and lawmaker should be asking. And a question the government must answer.

For the government to understand its role and responsibility in saving ‘Suwa Seriya’, it must first understand that the ‘Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service is a long-term investment, not just another welfare programme. Even if one was looking at the economic aspect of a healthy population, the service deserves more attention. A country’s health sector plays an incomparable role in making the current workforce going and the next generation healthy. If the government only understands rupees and cents, then the economic benefit of the service outweighs the risks of not having it prioritised. Keeping the health sector stable is crucial. It is also important to ensure that every citizen, especially those who are vulnerable and poor can access emergency health care. The government should not undervalue the humanitarian aspect which the 24/7 service provides, on call, across the island.