Nalinda responds to President’s coriander remark
– Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today clarified remarks by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that drew criticism from the Opposition, saying the President was referring to reducing unnecessary visits to tertiary hospitals for primary healthcare needs.
The Minister said congestion at outpatient departments (OPDs) and clinics at National and Base Hospitals had reached unbearable levels, with people seeking treatment for conditions that could be managed at primary healthcare facilities.He said the Government was taking steps to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system, adding that strengthening primary care was also the approach followed in many countries.Referring to India, Dr. Jayatissa said the ‘Ayush’ health centres there were an example of a system similar to primary healthcare centres.A wide backlash emerged following the President’s remarks on hospital visits.President Dissanayake said the Government was introducing a new primary healthcare-based system aimed at changing how patients access hospitals and specialist services.
Under the proposed system, patients would not be able to independently choose a hospital or specialist for every medical condition. Instead, they would first consult a primary-care doctor, who would assess their condition and refer them to a higher-level facility or specialist when necessary.
