Business
Non-Communicable Diseases surging in SL; health financing a huge issue
Gamani Corea Foundation’s 16th round table discussion
By Lynn Ockersz
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are surging in Sri Lanka currently. Coupled with this development is a rapidly rising ageing population in the country and connected problems, Dr. Palitha Abeykoon said, while addressing a range of local health issues and their consequences at the Gamani Corea Foundation’s (GCF) 16th round table discussion held at the BMICH on January 30th.
Dr. Abeykoon, who, among other positions, is the chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, pointed to the following principal problems, besides other pressing matters in the local health sector, in an issues paper he presented at the GCF forum: ‘Equity and access issues have come to the fore against a backdrop of severe resource constraints. Patients are driven to pay out of pocket to meet their health needs in the public health sector. Such expenses are estimated at 50 percent per patient. While NCDs are very much to the fore, “mobility and mortality” afflict a considerable proportion of the aged. A fast-ageing population compounds these issues. Besides, the potential for more pandemics is very much present.
‘The number of elders in the local population is escalating. Consequently, NCDs will be on the rise and we will see a proliferation of mental health problems and other disabilities linked to ageing, going forward. The current severe socio-economic crisis makes health financing a huge challenge.
‘There is a crop of external factors that compounds our health sector issues. Some of these are: the global climate crisis, asymmetries in economic performance among countries at the regional and global level, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and tensions in the Indian Ocean.
‘Sri Lanka’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is one of the strongest in the region but it is bedeviled by a lack of good governance.’
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Minstry of Environment, who moderated the forum said at this juncture that, ‘Bad governance is the main culprit. Non-adherance to the basics of good governance is rampant locally. Even among some technocrats and bureaucrats anarchy prevails. The principle of equity is violated in some top bodies.’
Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Consultant Physician Dr. Saroj Jayasinghe, presenting an issues paper, made the following points among a range of other matters: ‘For the past 50 years we have been saying the same thing in relation to Sri Lanka’s health questions and reforms, and that is indeed the issue.
‘With regard to efficiency in health administration and participatory decision-making, we have been paying only lip service in Sri Lanka. A blueprint to revive the health sector in the long term is needed. However, the proposal for a National Health Commssion is a step in the right direction. Empowering the public is also of vital significance.
‘We need to focus, among other matters, on tertiary care, structural reforms, health technology assessments and the strengthening of links between health sector reform and social reform.
‘Service innovations in the areas of primary health care, clinic/ hospital visits, screening and the hospital work force are important. ‘We need MOH type institutions for NCDs as well. Mobilizing resources is important but we need to remember that the private sector in healthcare will collapse in the absence of state sector personnel. However, the public sector could exist independently, while the private sector cannot do so.’
Following Prof. Jayasinghe’s presentation, a lively discussion followed on the issues raised with audience and panel participation. Winding-up proceedings GCF Chairman Dr. Lloyd Fernando said that the Foundation would be taking up the matters that were discussed with the government in the days to come. He stressed on the need for national planning in the health sphere and undercored the importance of a holistic approach in this undertaking.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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