Govt revives 25 stalled health projects under Rs. 76 Billion programme

The government has launched a major initiative to restart and complete 25 stalled health sector development projects across the country, backed by a total investment of Rs. 76 billion aimed at strengthening public healthcare services and infrastructure.

The programme is being implemented under the direction of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. It focuses on projects that were initiated between 2014 and 2024 but later halted due to various financial and administrative issues. The renewed effort aims to accelerate construction and bring key healthcare facilities into operation.

A phased funding plan has been introduced, with Rs 16 billion was allocated from the 2025 budget allocations, followed by Rs  19 billion for the current year of 2026. The government further plans to allocate Rs 38 billion in the upcoming 2027 budget to complete the remaining phases.

Several major projects have already been completed or are in advanced stages of construction. The maternity and ward complex at De Soysa Hospital for Women has been completed, while the 12-storey “Little Hearts” Cardiac Centre at Lady Ridgeway Hospital is nearing completion. Stage II of the cancer treatment unit at the National Hospital of Kandy has also been completed.

Work is continuing at several regional hospitals including Badulla, Jaffna, Karapitiya, Batticaloa, Hambantota, and Kandy, focusing on expanding emergency care, surgical units, and specialized treatment services.

The Ministry has also allocated additional funds to strengthen diagnostic and emergency services in multiple hospitals, while a joint project with JICA is close to completing the installation of 15 clinical waste incinerators islandwide.

Officials have instructed relevant agencies to expedite all remaining construction work and ensure that the upgraded facilities are made available to the public without delay.