Host of new measures to improve government health service

• ‘E-health card’ to be introduced by end of 2018
• Cabinet approves Rs. 5 billion worth of infrastructure development for health sector 

 The Government plans to introduce an E-health card, an electronic card containing all the health-related information of an individual, for all citizens by the end of this year, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said this week. 

“All state-run hospitals connected to a common network and doctors will be able access the medical history of patients. This will be very useful during emergencies as doctors are sometimes not privy to the crucial information needed to save lives,” Dr. Senaratne said while speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing. 

Further, Cabinet this week approved two proposals to develop infrastructure in the health sector with a total value of over Rs. 5 billion, including the second phase of the Accident and Emergency Care Unit at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. 

The proposal was presented by Minister Senaratne to award the above construction activities to the Engineering Advisory Council and Central Engineering Services Company at a value of Rs. 1.2246 billion.

Further, the Government also approved a proposal to construct a 10-storey building at the Badulla Provincial General Engineering Advisory Council costing Rs. 3.9 billion. 

The Health Ministry also gained approval from the Government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on activities associated with health between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.