The government is examining new technological tools for the health system, with a focus on medical research and the management of non-communicable diseases, Ada Derana reported.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni met a delegation of Indian biotechnology specialists to discuss the proposals, the Ministry of Health said.
What was discussed
The talks covered strengthening health and technology cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, introducing advanced tools into Sri Lanka’s medical research and development sector, and improving the detection, management and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
The ministry said the initiatives are expected to support wider efforts to improve healthcare services and patient outcomes.
Why NCDs
Non-communicable diseases — principally cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory illness — are the leading cause of death in Sri Lanka and account for the large majority of the state health system’s chronic-care burden. They are diseases of long duration and slow progression, which makes early detection the main lever on both mortality and cost.
Sri Lanka’s health system has been under sustained financial pressure since the 2022 economic crisis, with recurring shortages of medicines and diagnostic reagents. Technology partnerships that reduce the cost of screening and laboratory work are one route to widening coverage without proportionate spending increases.
Not reported
Ada Derana does not name the Indian institutions or companies in the delegation, say whether any agreement or memorandum was signed, give a timeline or cost, or specify which tools are under consideration. The report does not indicate whether the discussions form part of an existing bilateral health programme.
No other verified newsroom had carried the meeting at the time of writing.
