Sri Lanka’s health sector is world renowned and recognized at international level as a people-oriented healthcare system. As a medium income country, Sri Lanka continues to provide government healthcare services free of charge to patients, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.
“I emphasize the fact that such a laudable health sector is spearheaded by medical administrators at various levels. It may be at policy level at the health ministry, director of a tertiary care hospital or a medical superintendent in a base hospital, medical administrators work hard and contribute their best to our health system”, she noted.
The Minister was addressing the 27th Annual Scientific Sessions of the College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka at the Waters Edge on Friday.
“It is also my duty to appreciate all the medical administrators who worked tirelessly to make our health sector successful, and for taking this system to the status we enjoy today”, she stressed.
Continuing, Minister Wanniarachchi said: “I was determined to attend these Sessions today considering the importance of this subject to the Ministry of Health, and I want to honor this prestigious college for inviting me.
“Coming to the present context, medical administrators are my pillars of strength and confidence to fulfill my duties as the Minister of Health. It is my pleasure to mention your input to mitigate the current Covid-19 pandemic despite your routine medical administrative duties. I mention proudly that with your support we are able to provide all essential services while controlling Covid-19.
“I request all medical administrators that, as we have achieved many health goals, indicators and targets, to focus their attention to the quality of our services. I expect all health institutions to be customer-friendly hospitals and all workers under your supervision to be kind to all those who seek care from their respective hospitals or health institutions. I emphasize that quantity and quality should go together in equal importance.
“I look forward to the very effective, carefully developed plan for improving your own areas for the next year after a comprehensive analysis of the gaps. I have no hesitation to extend my blessings and support to yield a positive impact in every district, bringing new essence to quality health services.
“With your support, we should be able to establish centers of excellence in each and every province. Also, we should not forget about universal health coverage, providing healthcare close to home by upgrading all the health institutions at the basic grassroot level. We must build the faith in our public that their basic health needs are attended to in their local area itself, without traveling many miles to the next level of care. Let us build and improve further accessible-by-all health care, keeping with the concept of “Leaving No One Behind”.
“You are the leaders of your responsible sectors. There are subordinates following you. Therefore, being an example to others is an important factor, which should be showcased by heads of institutions.
“Despite the pandemic situation, I congratulate the president and council of this prestigious college for arranging this important annual event. I suppose all administrators will gain good knowledge, develop attitudes and this will be a forum to share your best practices. This kind of exposure will lead to improvement of your leadership qualities and will contribute towards the further improvement of our health sector”.
The Minister was welcomed by State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana, State Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva,.
