The primary challenge facing the country’s free healthcare sector is the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Minister of Health and Mass Media has stated.

The Health Minister has emphasized that the most effective solution for preventing and managing these conditions is the strengthening of primary healthcare services. Building on the experiences of ongoing pilot projects, the Health Ministry plans to establish 250 “Arogya Suwatha” (Health and Wellness) Centers across the country this year.

Minister Jayatissa made these remarks while participating in a special mobile health clinic organized for the staff of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, their family members, security personnel serving at the Temple, and staff of affiliated institutions.

He further noted that on January 24, a total of 42 Arogya Suwatha Centers will be inaugurated across 42 regions. The pilot projects launched last year in Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Kurunegala, Galle and Kalutara districts have already demonstrated remarkable success, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Dr. Jayatissa highlighted that each center will cater to the specific population of its designated area and patients requiring further treatment will be referred to major hospitals.

He stressed that providing every citizen with access to a primary healthcare center and qualified health staff remains a core responsibility of the Ministry of Health and assured that all necessary measures are being taken to fulfill this mandate.

Additionally, Minister Jayatissa noted that over Rs. 1.5 billion has been allocated in the budget for the establishment of Arogya Suwatha Centers.
He also stated that modern technology will be introduced across these centers to enhance service delivery.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also highlighted that a dedicated health team, committed to serving the public, is being established to implement these initiatives effectively.