Despite allocating Rs. 40 million monthly for salaries at the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH), the government has no intention of running it as a traditional public hospital, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced during a visit yesterday morning.
The Minister revealed plans to transform NFTH using a new model that aligns with both international and local trends, while leveraging the expertise of the hospital’s administration.
He emphasized the government’s vision to position Sri Lanka as a hub for health tourism, with NFTH playing a pivotal role. Additionally, the hospital’s integration of indigenous medicine into its services is being considered as part of this strategic development.
Currently, NFTH has a capacity of 1,002 beds, with 800 operational and 440 in daily use for routine care. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to innovating healthcare delivery while supporting economic growth through medical tourism.