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Sri Lanka is leading the way in global health security. They have started their National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) for 2024-2028. This big step was made possible by a workshop that brought together over 80 experts from different fields. Sri Lanka stands out as the first country to use the e-NAPHS online tool, created by the World Health Organization, for planning health security.

The country is now focused on getting better prepared. With the new National Action Plan, there’s a shift to a more flexible two-year operational plan from the older five-year strategy. This change shows Sri Lanka’s ability to adjust its health strategies quickly. In 2023, important assessments were done. These assessments looked at International Health Regulations and other frameworks. They set the stage for 51 key actions identified during the NAPHS consultation. These actions strengthen Sri Lanka’s defense against health emergencies.

Collaborative Efforts in Shaping Sri Lanka’s Health Security

The creation of Sri Lanka’s health security strategy is very important. It brings together multi-stakeholder consultative effort. Global health experts and local leaders work together to strengthen health security actions and capacity building. This teamwork helps protect the public’s health. By combining the expertise of the World Health Organization (WHO) and local insights, Sri Lanka is making big improvements. It is meeting International Health Regulations (IHR capacities).

Multi-stakeholder Workshop: Uniting Global and Local Expertise

A key workshop was held, showing Sri Lanka’s dedication to a strong health security strategy. This event had over 80 experts, showing a commitment to an all-encompassing public health strategy. These activities help in deep international cooperation. They make it easier to put global health strategies into local actions.

WHO’s Role in Spearheading the e-NAPHS Tool Development

The World Health Organization is key in making the e-NAPHS tool. This tool is a big step forward in health security investments. It makes it easier to move from planning to doing, improving health preparedness and response. This is vital for countries like Sri Lanka, aiming to up their health security with smart, flexible solutions.

Fostering Strong Alliances with International Agencies and Banks

Sri Lanka is focusing on health security investments by teaming up with big names like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. These partnerships give financial support to important health projects. They help create a strong infrastructure that can deal with health crises. The support from these banks shows how vital money strategies are for resilient health systems.

To also boost its agricultural sector and ensure food sustainability, Sri Lanka is focusing on advanced tech. It has made progress in improving digital agriculture solutions and recorded a huge paddy harvest in 2024. Both efforts are key for health security and economic health.

Through these united efforts, Sri Lanka is boosting its health security and helping in regional and global health stability.

Investment and Resource Allocation: Foundation for Sustainable Health Strategies

Sri Lanka is leading the way in global health within the South-East Asia region. It has launched a thorough resource mapping effort for its National Action Plan for Health Security. Thanks to the World Health Organization’s REMAP tool, the country is making big strides in planning health finances and securing health. The NAPHS 2022-2026, with input from all six WHO Regional Offices, shows Sri Lanka’s dedication to long-term health planning and readiness for health crises.

The center of this project focuses on finding financial resources and noticing where more funding is needed. Knowing these details helps to choose which health actions to do first. The REMAP tool has been key in matching finances with the human, economic, and societal impacts of recent pandemics. It helps leaders get together the money and support needed for Sri Lanka’s health protection. These financial insights make everything more open, helping launch important health actions. This open planning is also part of the National Investment Plan, which aims at making the country more ready for health emergencies.

At the Global Consultative Meeting on Health Security, nations like Argentina, Australia, China, Italy, and Thailand agreed: strong health systems are crucial for dealing with emergencies. The Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly highlighted the need for better health governance, systems, and funding. Sri Lanka has put forward $170,000 as a start to strengthen its health defenses. This move is part of its broader strategy to deal with pandemics, conflicts, and climate change. It also focuses on improving management of emergency risks.

Sri Lanka is facing a severe economic crisis. This has led to a major healthcare system crisis. Most of the country’s medical supplies are imported, making up about 85%. Now, these supplies are critically low.

The lack of essential drugs like atracurium and fentanyl is alarming. Some critical antibiotics are also “out of stock.” Hospitals are urgently calling for life-saving drugs and equipment. Due to this shortage, non-essential surgeries have been stopped. There’s a cry for help to get overseas donations of antibiotics and ET tubes for newborns.

The impact of the economic crisis on healthcare is severe. Healthcare workers are facing salary cuts and less overtime pay. The cost of living is going up too. This makes it hard for staff and patients to get the healthcare they need. Without quick help, Sri Lanka’s healthcare system might collapse. This crisis is affecting the entire nation deeply.

Sri Lanka’s Healthcare on Verge of Collapse in Economic Crisis

In the midst of tough times, Sri Lanka faces big challenges with its healthcare system. Conditions keep getting worse. A huge inflation rate of 73 percent in late 2022 made healthcare worse. Essential medical items are missing, and many healthcare workers are leaving for better jobs abroad.

The healthcare situation in Sri Lanka is getting critical. Over the last two years, about 1,700 doctors have left. This is almost 10% of all healthcare workers on the island. This loss affects hospitals everywhere. For example, the District General Hospital in Embilipitiya had to stop emergency surgeries when two anaesthesiologists left. Also, the paediatric ward at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital closed temporarily after losing all its paediatricians.

Money problems make the crisis worse. The Health Minister, Ramesh Pathirana, was warned by the Government Medical Officers’ Association. They said nearly 100 rural hospitals might shut down because healthcare workers are leaving. Hospitals are not just losing staff. They also lack over 90 basic medicines.

Even though USD 114 million was set aside for medicine, only USD 68.5 million was spent on buying them. Also, 80% of drugs from an Indian credit line were unregistered and untested in Sri Lanka. This raises concerns about patient safety and trust in healthcare.

The salary difference for doctors is also a big problem. In Sri Lanka, a middle-grade doctor makes about $508 a month. That’s much less than the $3,800 they could earn in the UK. This pay gap is why more doctors are moving to countries like the UK. A doctor could even pay off a big loan in a year after moving.

The OMP Sri Lanka highlights these serious challenges facing Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. It’s crucial for both local and global support to step up. This will help prevent a total collapse of the system, keep essential health services going, and stabilize healthcare in Sri Lanka.

Supply Shortages Deepening the Healthcare Crisis

Sri Lanka’s healthcare is in crisis due to a lack of medical supplies and essential drugs. The economy’s struggle, marked by a 70% inflation rate and a falling currency, has hit healthcare hard. Hospitals now use supplies from months ago, risking a complete system failure.

Severely Depleted Medical Supplies and Essential Drugs

The shortage of medicines is serious. Sri Lanka relies on imports for about 90% of its essential medicines, mainly from nearby countries. Now, even basic items like antibiotics and painkillers are hard to find. Some pharmacies can’t fill over 30% of their orders, affecting patient care deeply.

Reliance on International Aid and Donations

Sri Lanka’s healthcare leans heavily on international help because of the economy. Aid and donations from Sri Lankans abroad and global groups are crucial. They provide much-needed medical supplies and financial support to keep healthcare running.

Impact of Supply Shortages on Life-Saving Treatments

The shortage also affects life-saving treatments. Many surgeries are delayed or canceled because supplies are too low. This situation not only limits access to healthcare but increases the risk of deaths for those needing urgent care.

A closer look at the crisis reveals that inflation hit 70% in 2022. This made things even harder for the healthcare system. Learn more here.

Sri Lanka’s healthcare crisis shows the urgent need for help and the ongoing strain on a once-strong system. The current economic troubles challenge the sector’s strength, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and help from outside.

Widespread Economic Hardship Affecting Healthcare Accessibility

Sri Lanka’s healthcare struggles under economic pressure are huge. Proposed funds include $50 million for healthcare improvements and $100 million in loans. This is to help in these challenging times. As the economy falls, the need for improved healthcare grows. The swift drop in stability stresses the healthcare support needs.

A project aims to boost Primary Healthcare (PHC) with a $150 million budget by 2028. It plans to enhance services with an extra $90 million. Plus, $50 million will improve the quality of care. The focus is on better services and care at healthcare centers.

Since 2009, Sri Lanka grew economically post-civil war. But recent financial troubles have increased poverty and hurt sectors like agriculture. Over 5.7 million people, or 26% of Sri Lankans, now need aid. This crisis has worsened food security, leading to health risks. The fall in the economy makes getting to medical facilities hard for many.

The UNFPA calls for funds to keep providing key health services. They need $10.7 million to help over 2 million women and girls. This effort shows the severe health challenges faced.

UNFPA’s support is crucial, with plans to assist 145,000 pregnant women. They will also give health supplies to 1.2 million people. Aid includes support for 37,000 women, help for rape survivors, and menstrual hygiene aids. Yet, these initiatives are up against a major economic downturn. A UN plan needs $47 million to help 1.7 million Sri Lankans until September 2022. Sri Lanka also faces a critical paper shortage, affecting students and threatening healthcare facilities. The government and global partners are working hard to tackle these issues. A crisis in education hints at larger healthcare.