September 07, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined plans for a major restructuring of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, with greater emphasis on primary care before patients are referred to hospitals and specialist services.
Under the proposed model, people seeking treatment would initially consult a primary-care doctor rather than choosing a hospital or specialist directly. Medical staff at this first stage would evaluate each case and arrange referrals to larger hospitals or specialists where more advanced treatment is considered necessary.
A key part of the programme will be the establishment of around 1,000 new “Arogya” centres nationwide. The facilities are intended to become the first stop for families seeking medical attention, bringing basic healthcare closer to communities while creating a more organised pathway into the wider health system.
The President said the approach was designed to match patients with the level of care they actually require. Authorities also expect it to ease pressure on major hospitals by limiting unnecessary attendance for conditions that could be managed through primary care.
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