OPD visits outnumber population sixfold: Minister

• Says the figure highlights a major weakness in the existing healthcare model

By Anjula Maheeka Weeraratne   

Sri Lankans seek outpatient treatment from government hospitals at a  rate nearly six times the country’s total population each year, Health  and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed yesterday, citing  official statistics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the newly constructed first phase of the Ratnapura Regional Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office building, the Minister said the figure highlights a major weakness in the existing healthcare model.   

To address this issue, Dr. Jayatissa said the government has introduced the “Arogya Suwatha Centres” initiative, which aims to integrate preventive and curative health services to provide more efficient and community-based care.