Sri Lanka’s health sector is set for a major upgrade in cardiac care, with 16 state‑of‑the‑art cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath labs) to be installed in leading hospitals islandwide this year under the instructions of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the new facilities will be established at Colombo, Kandy, and Galle National Hospitals, as well as teaching hospitals in Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla, Jaffna, Kalubowila, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and at the Trincomalee District General Hospital.

According to the Ministry, Rs. 715 million has been allocated for four machines at Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla, and Galle National Hospital.

Under the Asian Development Bank’s Health System Improvement Project, Rs. 1,188 million will fund three machines at Colombo National Hospital and one each at Kandy, Jaffna, and Kalubowila. 

In addition, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assistance will provide Rs.1,200 million for six machines, including two at Anuradhapura and one each at Kurunegala, Badulla, Kandy, and Trincomalee.

In total, Rs. 3,103 million will be spent on the project. With the new installations, the number of Cath labs in the government hospital system will rise to 26.

Currently, Cath labs are operational at Colombo, Kandy, and Galle National Hospitals, as well as at Jaffna, Kurunegala, Ragama, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Children’s Hospital in Peradeniya, and Polonnaruwa District General Hospital.

The Health Ministry states the expansion will double annual treatment capacity, reduce waiting lists, and ensure 24‑hour services for heart attack patients. 

It is also expected to lower mortality and morbidity from heart disease while strengthening diagnostic and treatment capabilities nationwide. (Newswire)

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