Healthy citizens for nation's development - President

Commit yourselves to secure free healthcare benefits in this country where peace is restored, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President was speaking at the presentation of appointments to 51 dental surgeons and 78 pharmacists at the Temple Trees. Enrollment of 1,655 student nurses for training also took place on the occasion.

All citizens of the country should have access to free health services regardless of ethnic, religious or other differences, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Rajapaksa stressed the importance of having a healthier nation to take forward the country's development. He also commended the immeasurable service by the health officials including the nurses. No one can undermine the services of health officials, he added.

The President added that people can obtain drugs from pharmacies more easily than hospitals and they are being exploited by the pharmacies. He said that this system needs to be changed soon.

Defence and health sectors are being given pride of place by the Government. He was of the opinion that a country cannot be developed without a sound healthcare system.

President Rajapaksa added that a large number of nurses were appointed to hospitals island wide by the Government to provide a better health service to the people.

He added that patient caring is more important than curing them. He was of the view that curing can be learnt but caring of patients should come from the bottom of heart.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the country's health sector will undergo revolutionary changes next year. He added that the Prof Senaka Bibile's Drug Policy will be implemented from January on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's directive.