Health Promotion Bureau Sri Lanka says around 900 childhood cancer patients were reported across Sri Lanka over the past year.
Commenting on the figures, Dr. Suraj Perera, Consultant Community Physician at the National Cancer Control Programme Sri Lanka, said an agreement has been signed with the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka to ensure the supply of all essential medicines required for treating childhood cancer patients over the next three years.
Under this agreement, essential medicines will be provided free of charge, ensuring uninterrupted treatment for children battling cancer.
Health authorities expressed confidence that the three-year programme will strengthen childhood cancer care services while easing the emotional and financial burden on affected families.
Dr. Perera also emphasized that early detection enables timely treatment and significantly improves outcomes. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show persistent or unusual symptoms.
