Non-communicable diseases account for approximately 80% of all deaths in Sri Lanka, with hypertension and diabetes among the leading causes, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.
He made the remarks while attending the commencement of construction of a modern Cardiac Care Complex at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital yesterday (16).
Dr. Jasinghe said hypertension and diabetes are closely linked and can cause serious health complications, including heart attacks.
He noted that only around 50% of people with hypertension in Sri Lanka are effectively controlling the condition, while the figure for diabetic patients is approximately 25%.
“This has now become a major problem in society,” he said, identifying myocardial infarction, or heart attack, as one of the most serious complications associated with both conditions.
The Health Secretary said Sri Lanka’s healthcare system must adapt to changes in the country’s demographic structure and disease patterns while expanding modern medical facilities.
He added that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media is implementing a major programme under the government’s policies, with three main components: Arogya, Cluster Systems and High-End Care Institutions.
According to Dr. Jasinghe, these components must be developed in line with the changing needs of the country’s healthcare system.
