The Sri Lankan cabinet has endorsed a proposal allowing state hospitals to offer medical testing services, such as MRIs and CT scans, through public-private partnerships, according to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
“The demand for advanced diagnostic services within the public health system is rising, particularly due to the increase in non-communicable diseases,” Jayatissa explained to reporters.
He noted that patients often face lengthy waiting times because of the limited availability of essential facilities in government hospitals, including CT scanners, MRI scanners, DSA, cardiac catheterization units, and automated hematology and biochemistry analyzers.
This situation results in delays in clinical management, Jayatissa stated. “Given the financial constraints in acquiring such equipment and the complex procurement procedures necessary for their purchase and maintenance, it has become essential to explore alternative methods for obtaining these services,” he added.
The cabinet has approved Jayatissa’s proposal to acquire diagnostic equipment through a public-private partnership model, which will utilize a performance-based payment scheme.
(Colombo/Jan6/2025)
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