The Multisectoral Strategic Action Plan on Injury Prevention and Management, introduced in 2021 to reduce accidents, has yet to show significant progress despite numerous lives lost, according to Dr. Samitha Sirithunga, Head of Injury Prevention and Management at the Ministry of Health.
He said stakeholders from various sectors, including the Transport Board and Health Ministry, plan to convene for a review around November this year.
The plan, originally set for 2021-2025, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises, leading to an extension and relaunch for 2023-2027 after special approval from the Secretary of Health.
The strategy addresses various injuries such as road accidents, animal bites, drowning, and occupational hazards.
While exact data is lacking, hospital records indicate that falls are the leading cause of injury admissions, and traffic accidents remain the top cause of injury-related deaths, with an estimated 2,500 annual cases post-COVID. Dr. Sirithunga also noted a recent rise in suicide cases.
