Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa announced that steps will be taken to promptly appoint 304 Ayurvedic doctors, following official approval.

Speaking after an inspection at the Kaithady Siddha Teaching Hospital in Jaffna, the Minister acknowledged the presence of over 1,000 doctors in the field, though not all can be absorbed into the public sector.

He stated that residential training will be provided, creating potential for both local and international employment, including in the tourism sector.

Minister Jayatissa also highlighted that the Health Ministry oversees not only Western medicine but also indigenous systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Notably, this year’s budget has allocated more funds for indigenous medicine than for Western healthcare.