Hospitals under pressure as Dengue cases spike

Colombo, June-17 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities have raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system could come under severe pressure if the current rise in dengue admissions continues.

Commenting on the situation, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said several hospitals, particularly in Colombo, are overcrowded due to the increasing number of dengue patients.

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

The Minister stressed that preventing mosquito breeding and stopping transmission at the source remains the most effective way to ease the pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers.

He urged the public to support the ongoing nationwide dengue prevention activities by eliminating breeding sites in homes, schools, workplaces and surrounding areas.

Dr. Jayatissa said health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have stepped up control measures in high-risk areas.

He expressed confidence that the spread could be brought under control if the public fully cooperates with the current national prevention campaign.

Meanwhile, dengue inspections carried out across the country have found a high presence of mosquito breeding sites in key public locations.

According to the Minister, around 41% of inspected school premises were identified as containing breeding sites, while similar risks were found in 28% of religious places and 26% of industrial sites inspected.

He said the situation has become particularly serious in 14 districts, including areas in the Western, Southern and Central Provinces, as well as parts of the North Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, along with Badulla and Batticaloa districts.

Dr. Jayatissa reiterated that ongoing cleaning and prevention programmes must be supported by all sectors of society, warning that sustained control of dengue is only possible through collective action.