President Maithripala Sirisena says that future plans for the health sector will prioritize the strengthening of prevention of diseases.

He accordingly stated that the services of Health Officers and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) would be strengthened through provision of additional facilities.

The President expressed these sentiments whilst speaking at 82nd Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union, which was held at Nelum Pokuna yesterday (22), according to the President’s Media Division.

“Though the government made a comprehensive investment to strengthen the treatment units by providing required physical and human resource, the funds allocated for prevention of diseases is not adequate”, he had proceeded to say.

Hehad also said that it was essential to strengthen the disease prevention sector in order to build a healthy nation, which, according to the President, is a main index of the country’s development.

He also said that PHIs were a part of a service which was subjected to the public’s admiration.

President Sirisena thus proceeded to express his appreciation for the service of the PHIs who execute their duties even amidst insults and harassments. He also commended their service during the recent disasters and the garbage issue

According to the Presidential media source, he presented gifts to five retired PHIs on this occasion. He had also presented five appointment letters for Justices of Peace (JP).

President of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union M. P. Upul Rohana had then presented a souvenir to the President.

Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka and Rajitha Senarathne were among those who participated in this event, President’s Media Division reported.