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Health experts call for enhanced trauma network and data-driven solutions to tackle high accident fatalities

Published

2 years ago

2023/11/25

Thilina Walpola

An accident (File photo)

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Despite the easy availability of the 1990 ambulance service, most people who have met with an accident are brought to the hospital by personal vehicles, Dr. Sajith Ranathunga General Surgeon at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, said.

“Out of those vehicles, most are three-wheelers. When an accident happens, most people don’t know what kind of hospital they should be taken to. Staff in the 1990 ambulances know, but the average man on the street does not. We must educate Sri Lankans and create a system where everyone knows where to take a person who has met with an accident, based on the nature of the injury.”

Dr. Ranathunga said that the 1990 ambulance service has done a lot to minimize fatalities. He added that Sri Lanka has several types of hospitals, and hospitals like the Colombo National Hospital are tertiary care hospitals. The next rung of hospitals are district general hospitals, and they, too, have surgeons and emergency care departments.

“Then there are the base hospitals. These hospitals, too, have surgeons who take care of emergency situations. There are also hospitals that only have a general practitioner, and they take steps to transfer patients that need emergency care to a hospital with better facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kirthi Abayajeewa, Consultant Surgeon at the Colombo National Hospital said Sri Lankan hospitals receive about seven cases of serious accidents that result in death. About 10 times more people become differently abled due to accidents. About 10 times that number of people suffer from minor injuries that do not require hospital visits.

These are high numbers, and we have been in this high range for many years. “There was a drop in accidents during COVID. But it has returned to the usual high rates following the lifting of lockdowns,” he said.

As a country develops, the number of people who die or get permanently injured reduces. However, in a country like Sri Lanka, fatalities that occur during accidents are higher than in a developed country, he mentioned.

Dr. Abayajeewa said that when it comes to motor accidents, ignoring road rules, the quality of roads, and vehicles, are the main reasons why most accidents occur and why there are higher fatalities. He said that recently they held a convention on accidents to share their knowledge among all stakeholders.

“We need to establish a trauma network covering all hospitals. This might cost a lot but is essential as we go forward.”

Dr. Gayan Ekanayake, Plastic Surgeon at the Colombo National Hospital, said the use of data and the application of data science in the management of injuries are low. “Everything depends on data. We need to immediately start collecting, analysing and using data to make key decisions on accident prevention as well as the management of accidents.”

Dr. Ekanayake said road accidents caused by violating road rules, injuries caused by those who are depressed, burn wounds, and violence that occurs due to domestic disputes, can be reduced with a change in attitude.

“I especially see interpersonal violence as a serious burden to the healthcare system. For example, a lot of people come in with injuries caused by sword attacks, and we have to do several surgeries that take over 12 hours. These are resource-intensive operations. The most striking feature is that most of these sword attacks have been done, emulating what people see in films. Resorting to violence has become normalized. We need to change our attitudes,” he said.

Domestic violence is also a serious problem. About 10 years ago, there were campaigns to deter domestic violence, and these programmes must continue because people tend to forget, he said. “The other problem is road accidents. Some people become speed demons once they get behind the wheel. They completely forget the risks involved in excessive speeding and violating traffic laws,” he added.

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Related Topics:Dr. Sajith Ranathunga Health

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

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PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.