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GMOA moots issuance of ID card number to citizens at birth

27 Sep 2021

  • Notes move will strengthen children’s rights and wellbeing
National Identity Card (NIC) numbers should be assigned to children at birth to ensure their wellbeing, and to ensure their rights are protected, according to the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA). In a letter sent to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa dated 22 September, the GMOA had stated it “believes that issuance of a National Identity Card number to every child at birth, and issuing a National Identity Card with the same number on or before the age of 16 will further strengthen children’s rights and wellbeing”. It noted that the need for such had been highlighted during a meeting with Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena regarding the Covid-19 vaccination programme, where the matter of issuing a tracking number for children being vaccinated had been discussed, while Family Health Bureau officials had noted that a similar proposal had been put forward around 10 years prior. The GMOA also noted that it had submitted a comprehensive report in this regard to the Expert Committee on New Constitutional Reforms on 30 December 2020. It further stated that this initiative will benefit children by imparting a sense of belonging to the motherland; ensuring their safety and wellbeing, especially with regard to child abuse and child labour; providing a unique health modifier to facilitate universal health coverage, as well as maintaining educational, financial, and social information while maintaining confidentiality; and help accurately target needy children in availing limited resources. Accordingly, the GMOA urged the President to promptly take action in this regard.


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