• Only 50% of hypertension patients, 25% of diabetics under proper control
• Rs 8,035 m cardiac complex to provide advanced treatment in Anuradhapura

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 80% of all deaths in Sri Lanka, with hypertension and diabetes emerging as major health challenges, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

Speaking at the commencement of construction of a new cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery complex at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital (TH) on Wednesday (16), Dr. Jasinghe said only around 50% of people with high blood pressure (HBP) were effectively controlling the condition, while only around 25% of diabetic patients were under proper control.

He warned that the two interrelated conditions could result in serious complications, with myocardial infarction, or heart attacks, becoming a leading consequence.

“This has now become a major problem in society,” Dr. Jasinghe said, describing the control of the diseases as one of the biggest challenges facing the health sector.

He said Sri Lanka’s health system needed to adapt to changes in the country’s demographic structure and disease patterns while expanding modern medical facilities.

Dr. Jasinghe said the Government’s health-sector programme was being implemented under three main components – Arogya, Cluster Systems and High-End Care Institutions – aimed at meeting the changing requirements of the health system.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also addressed the event, said the Government had identified three key areas for strengthening healthcare: bringing free healthcare services closer to the people, introducing advanced medical equipment and practices, and establishing a systematic management system.

The eight-storey cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery complex is being constructed at a cost of Rs 3,545 million with loan assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months, will include coronary care and intensive care units, catheterisation laboratories, X-ray and electrocardiogram facilities, specialised clinics, wards, laboratories, an auditorium and a library.

A total of Rs 8,035 million has been allocated for the project, including Rs 3,545 million for construction and Rs 4,490 million for equipment.

The President said nearly Rs 19 billion worth of projects were planned to commence at the Anuradhapura TH in 2027 and 2028, while projects worth Rs 9.7 billion were already underway.

He stressed that delays in completing public projects had resulted in significant financial losses, as costs increased while the public was also deprived of the intended services.

The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare human resources, stating that 3,000 doctors were being recruited for internship training during August, September and October.

He said 3,978 nurses had been recruited, with a further 2,820 to be recruited by 31 October, while 4,869 student nurses had entered training and another 3,000 were to be recruited by January 2027.

Recruitment was also underway for health assistants, para-medical and allied health services as part of the Government’s broader effort to expand the State healthcare workforce.