The 11th National Accident Prevention Week commenced today (06) and will continue until July 10 under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

The initiative aims to reduce the incidence of accidents and minimize their impact on the country's healthcare system, as well as its social and economic development.

According to the Ministry of Health, a significant proportion of patients admitted to government hospitals for inpatient treatment are injured in accidents. Falls, road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, drownings, and domestic accidents account for the majority of these cases.

The official inauguration ceremony of the National Accident Prevention Week is scheduled to be held today at the Ministry of Health premises under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

As part of the week-long programme, each day has been dedicated to a specific accident prevention theme:

July 6 – Road Accident Prevention Day

July 7 – Workplace Accident Prevention Day

July 8 – Home and Elder Care Home Accident Prevention Day

July 9 – Drowning Accident Prevention Day

July 10 – School, Pre-school, and Daycare Centre Accident Prevention Day

Throughout the week, the Ministry of Health will conduct a range of island-wide activities, including public awareness campaigns, the identification of hazardous locations, practical initiatives to create safer environments, and the implementation of short-, medium-, and long-term measures aimed at preventing accidents.

The programme will be carried out through the collaborative efforts of government institutions, healthcare agencies, the education sector, the security forces, and other relevant stakeholders.