Sri Lanka is currently facing a significant public health challenge, with a surge in cases of yearly flu, viral infections, dengue, and chikungunya. These illnesses, particularly vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya, have placed enormous strain on the public healthcare system, while simultaneously sparking widespread concern among the population.

The College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors have both issued urgent appeals highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform in disease detection, testing, prevention, and treatment infrastructure.

This moment calls for decisive leadership and an overhaul in how we prepare for and respond to recurring public health threats. It is imperative that the Government introduces a formalised annual screening programme for flu and viral infections, accompanied by preventive immunisation campaigns tailored to vulnerable groups. This programme should run in tandem with seasonal patterns, particularly the monsoon periods that coincide with peak mosquito breeding and the rise in vector-borne diseases.

The need for improved and expedited screening and testing processes cannot be overstated. As highlighted by the President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh, the lack of diagnostic facilities in the public healthcare system severely hampers the country’s ability to manage outbreaks effectively. The reintroduction of laboratory testing for chikungunya, for example, is not just a scientific necessity but a public health imperative. Without accurate and timely diagnosis, healthcare professionals are working in the dark, relying on clinical symptoms alone to guide treatment. This not only delays care but also undermines public trust in the system.

In the same vein, awareness campaigns aimed at the general public must be significantly improved. Effective public health communication can save lives, especially in communities where access to medical care is limited. These campaigns should include simple, actionable guidance on symptom recognition, when to seek care, how to prevent mosquito breeding, and the importance of vaccination. Schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and community organisations must be mobilised as partners in a nationwide health literacy initiative.

Moreover, the Government must support the use of innovative and evidence-based vector control measures. The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors has correctly called for the urgent deployment of the Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis bacterium that has proven effective in controlling mosquito larvae. Bureaucratic delays in utilising such a life-saving tool are not only unacceptable but dangerous, particularly when dengue continues to infect nearly 100,000 Sri Lankans annually and results in preventable deaths.

At the heart of all these recommendations is the need to strengthen and adequately fund the health sector. Our doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and public health officials are operating under immense pressure, especially in the context of resource-related issues caused or worsened by the economic crisis, often with outdated equipment and limited supplies. 

The Government must prioritise investments in diagnostic labs, hospital infrastructure, mobile testing units, and vaccination programmes. This investment should not be viewed as an expense, but rather as a safeguard or an investment for the country’s productivity, wellbeing, and economic stability.

At the end of the day, the current health crisis presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to transform its approach to communicable diseases. The introduction of an annual screening and immunisation strategy, enhanced testing capabilities, stronger public awareness campaigns, and modern mosquito control methods are not merely suggestions. They are essential steps to ensure public safety. The Government must act swiftly and decisively, not only to manage the current wave of infections but to establish a resilient healthcare system prepared to tackle future challenges.