Suraksha’ insurance to cover HIV testing costs for students
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has initiated a plan to include expenses for HIV/AIDS diagnosis under the ‘Suraksha’ insurance scheme for school students.Accordingly, Secretary to the Ministry – Nalaka Kaluwewa announced the relevant amendments contained in Circular No. 2024/29 (II) to provincial education authorities, education directors and principals of both government and government-approved private schools.This decision follows reports from Health Ministry sources indicating that 107 individuals aged between 15 and 24 were diagnosed with AIDS in Sri Lanka during 2025, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive health interventions.The new circular stipulates that, in addition to HIV testing, expenses related to various medical examinations, including osteoporosis, hepatitis, skin cancers, and cancer treatments, will also be covered under the insurance scheme.
Furthermore, students will be entitled to a maximum benefit of Rs. 100,000 in the event of sudden accidents occurring during school hours, whether during educational trips or sports events, provided these activities are conducted under the supervision of education officials.Additionally, expenses related to devices for correcting spinal deformities will be covered based on recommendations from a specialized medical professional or Ayurvedic practitioner.The insurance will also include service charges for the maintenance of hearing aids, excluding costs for battery replacements.
Moreover, the ‘Suraksha’ insurance scheme will also cover costs associated with major surgical procedures for hip, shoulder and knee joint replacements necessitated by sudden accidents, as detailed further in the circular.
