Healthcare system in crisis due to corruption and mismanagement
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lanka’s once highly-praised healthcare system is facing a severe crisis, and the root causes can be traced to corruption, nepotism, cronyism, and mismanagement, according to Professor Indika Karunathilake, the Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH).
In a scathing assessment of the situation, Professor Karunathilake highlighted that these issues permeate every level of the healthcare system, ultimately leading to its failure. He expressed concern that multiple checks and balances that should identify and rectify problems have broken down, causing the system to collapse. This ongoing crisis has had severe consequences, including the forced departure of numerous healthcare professionals from the country.
Sri Lanka’s healthcare system has long been admired for its cost-effectiveness, with a per capita healthcare expenditure of approximately $400 per year, a fraction of what developed countries like the UK and the US spend. Dr. Ajith Amarasinghe, a Consultant Pediatrician, pointed out that despite this modest budget, the healthcare indices in Sri Lanka are comparable to those of wealthier nations. He emphasized that the current crisis cannot be solely attributed to the economic downturn, as the 2023 health budget is double that of 2021, even after accounting for depreciation.
One concerning aspect is the quality of drugs distributed in both government and private hospitals. Dr. Amarasinghe raised the issue of tarnishing the reputation of the healthcare system in a short period, attributing the blame to individuals who have overseen the system in recent years. He specifically mentioned former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his team, noting that Minister Rambukwella has since been removed from his position.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, lamented the dismantling of past healthcare achievements, such as maternal mortality rates and child health indices, which have seen a worrying decline.
Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, President-Elect of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), said that the current crisis as unprecedented.
Dr. Thenuwan Wickramasinghe of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said that a 40 percent increase in patients seeking care in government hospitals due to the inability to afford private healthcare. He underscored that the healthcare system continues to operate because of the dedication and resilience of its healthcare professionals.
