Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that 33 regional hospitals in the Northern Province are currently operating without a single nurse.
He made this disclosure at the opening ceremony of the new Outpatient Department (OPD) building at Nainativu Divisional Hospital, which was officially handed over to the public on 12th of July.
The Minister assured that these nursing vacancies will soon be filled through upcoming appointments, and efforts will be made to address the critical staff shortages.
The newly inaugurated OPD facility includes an emergency treatment unit, dispensary, vaccination room, dental unit, nurses’ rest area, ECG unit, minor surgery unit, primary care unit, and sanitation facilities.
During the ceremony, Dr. Jayatissa noted that this was his first official visit to the Jaffna Peninsula as Health Minister, with Nainativu Hospital being the first medical institution he visited there.
He added that a detailed plan has been developed in recent months to establish similar regional health centres across the country.
Highlighting the need to transform Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, the Minister said that while global health services have evolved to be more patient-centric, Sri Lanka still largely follows a doctor-centric model. He stressed that many patients travel long distances for care, causing overcrowding at major hospitals like the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
He emphasized that well-functioning primary care units in island regions can significantly improve service quality. Dr. Jayatissa also praised the Navy for completing the new OPD building within a short period—a process that would normally take many years.
Looking ahead, the Minister said patients should not have to wait in long queues and that the Ministry plans to introduce appointment systems using modern technology to improve care delivery.
He acknowledged weaknesses in the Ministry’s repair and maintenance division, especially regarding medical equipment and ambulances. Moving forward, the Ministry will collaborate with capable institutions to maintain expensive equipment and vehicles sustainably. He also confirmed that arrangements will be made to provide the hospital with the ambulance it needs.
