Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, emphasised that Healthcare is a Fundamental Right and that, no matter where we are, as citizens of a country, we have the right to access Healthcare services.
He made these remarks during a critical inter-hospital quiz held at the Capital Resort in Moneragala, in line with World Patient Safety Day, organised by the Moneragala District Health Services Directorate.
Further elaborating, the Secretary stated that it is a country’s duty to provide Healthcare services, and it is our responsibility to access these services. He stressed that, as citizens, we have a right to healthcare.
However, he also pointed out that, despite the presence of a government hospital system, if we do not seek treatments or fail to follow Healthcare advice properly, it would be impossible to maintain good health.
He also remarked on the importance of following Healthcare advice, citing that even though there have been numerous guidelines and warnings against smoking, around 20,000 people die annually in the country due to smoking. Additionally, the number of deaths caused by alcohol consumption and the use of unhealthy foods is also showing an increase. Globally, there are approximately 134 million patient errors reported, with around 3 million resulting in deaths.
The inter-hospital quiz included teams of five participants, representing hospital staff representing specialists to Healthcare support staff. The Siyambalanduwa Base Hospital and the Bibile Professor Senaka Bibile Memorial Hospital teams were selected for the final round after several rounds. The Siyambalanduwa Base Hospital emerged victorious, scoring 115 points in the final competition, held in three rounds.
A total of 17 hospitals from the Monaragala District participated in the inter-hospital competition, representing 17 teams. Alongside this, new projects related to patient safety, involving 11 Medical Officer of Health Offices and 10 Primary Healthcare Units, were evaluated during the event.
The main goal of this programme was to raise awareness and educate Healthcare staff on patient safety and to promote self-awareness among healthcare professionals.
Certificates and trophies were awarded to the victorious Siyambalanduwa Base Hospital team, the runner-up Bibile Professor Senaka Bibile Memorial Hospital team, and the third-place winners from Pitakumbura Regional Hospital. The awards were presented by Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary to the Ministry of Health.
Also in attendance at the event were Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of Health Services for Uva Province Dr. Janitha Tennakoon, Regional Director of Health Services for Monaragala Dr. Susanta Fernando, as well as medical officers, district medical officers, institutional doctors, specialists, nurses, and other Healthcare staff.
(dailynews.lk)
