Health system could face severe strain if Dengue cases continue to rise: Minister

Colombo, June 16 (Daily Mirror) - The healthcare system could come under severe pressure if the number of dengue patients continues to increase, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa warned today.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Dr. Jayatissa said some hospitals, particularly in Colombo, are already experiencing overcrowding due to the growing number of dengue admissions.

“If patient numbers increase further, the hospital system may not be able to cope. We must reduce the number of infections,” he said.

The Minister stressed that preventing dengue transmission remains the most effective way to ease the burden on hospitals and healthcare workers. He urged the public to actively support ongoing dengue prevention programmes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites in their homes, schools, workplaces and surrounding environments.

Dr. Jayatissa noted that health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified dengue control activities in high-risk areas across the country.

He expressed confidence that the current rise in cases could be brought under control if the public fully cooperates with this week’s nationwide dengue prevention campaign.