Health Ministry Plans to Tackle Future Health Challenges – Minister Jayatissa

The Minister made these remarks while attending the National Program held to mark World Physiotherapy Day, as the Chief Guest. The event was organized by the Government Physiotherapists’ Association together with the College of Physiotherapy and was held recently at the Sri Lanka National Hospital auditorium.

World Physiotherapy Day is commemorated annually on September 8, and this year’s theme was “Healthy Aging.”

Minister Jayatissa explained that the first major challenge facing the Health Ministry is the aging population, which is expected to rise to 25% in the near future. He stressed that caring for the elderly is a responsibility of the government and that simply proposing alternatives is meaningless without proper preparation.

The second challenge, he said, is non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He emphasized that if all citizens were tested, many would be found to suffer from conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. However, he pointed out that only a small portion of the public undergoes screenings, even fewer seek treatment, and an even smaller number continue treatment consistently.

The third challenge identified is mental health, and the fourth is nutrition. The Minister stated that the Ministry hopes to implement various programs and projects to address these four key areas.

He further highlighted that the Ministry’s long-term target is to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the Global Health Index, where the country currently ranks 67th.

Speaking about government priorities, the Minister said one of the most important projects is to establish community-based Health and Wellness Centers to provide primary health services closer and more conveniently to the public. Each center is expected to serve a population of 8,000 to 10,000 people.

During the ceremony, physiotherapists Sameera Chandimal Ponsuge, recognized for innovative practices, and Shanika Somaveera and Arosha Jayawardena, senior physiotherapy officers, were specially honored for their contributions.

The event was also attended by Acting Director General of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe, President of the Government Physiotherapists’ Association Iranga Aluthge, Secretary Indika Adhikari, Treasurer Pathum Ratnayake, President of the College of Physiotherapy Jaliya Uduwella, deputy directors, and a large number of physiotherapists.