Police most affected by non-communicable diseases: Minister

Colombo, Sept. 11 (Daily Mirror) - Police personnel account for the highest proportion of state employees suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

He made this remark at the launch of the “Arogya” mobile health clinic programme for Sri Lanka Police officers in the Gampaha District on Wednesday.

The Minister revealed that nearly 30 percent of NCD cases among state sector employees are reported from the Police Department.

“This is a workforce of about 84,000 personnel, carrying some of the heaviest responsibilities in the public sector. Keeping them healthy is critical. At the same time, a significant number of lives are lost while on duty in the police service due to non-communicable diseases,” he said.

The “Arogya” programme, conducted under the theme 'Healthy Sri Lanka', offers general medical consultations, eye and dental clinics, blood sugar and cholesterol checks, mental health counselling, ayurvedic consultations and nutrition advice. Patients identified with serious conditions will be referred to government hospitals including the National Hospital Colombo and the Negombo Hospital.