Prevention Is Better Than Cure

I recently read in the Daily Mirror that outpatient department (OPD) visits in our country outnumber the total population by six times. The government now plans to establish both preventive and curative health centres—a positive step toward improving national health.

However, a large amount of our foreign exchange is still spent on importing medicines. This highlights the urgent need to shift our focus from treatment to prevention.

Parents, schools, and the media should play a stronger role in promoting health education. For example, at many public places—funeral houses, restaurants, and even government offices such as the  ID office—there are machines that serve coffee or tea loaded with sugar. These are often provided by multinational companies that profit by selling tasty but unhealthy beverages. Ironically, we then end up importing medicines from the same countries to treat the illnesses these habits cause.

Why can’t the government or private sector promote and serve healthier options instead? Regular awareness programmes, workshops, and advertisements on healthy living could go a long way in building a fit and health-conscious nation.

Such initiatives would not only reduce the burden on our health system but also support the government’s vision of ensuring a healthy and happy life for all citizens.

R. D

Colombo