Rise in NCDs raises health concerns ahead of festive season

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, April 10 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is witnessing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), posing a growing public health concern across the country.

Health experts warn that with the onset of the festive season, unhealthy eating habits, increased alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity could further worsen the situation, raising serious concerns over the nation’s overall health.

Consultant Community Physician Dr. Samitha Sirithunga said that 83% of deaths in the country are due to non-communicable diseases, while 13% are classified as premature. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease continue to increase, placing a significant strain on the healthcare system.

He added that 1.2 million hospital admissions have been reported due to accidents. Experts noted that nearly 35 patient deaths are reported daily, while three people die every hour from accident-related injuries.

Sirithunga noted that most accident-related hospital admissions occur between April 8 and April 16, coinciding with the festive season.

The public has been urged to maintain a balanced diet and adopt healthy lifestyle practices during the festive season to reduce health risks.