We will not hesitate to allocate finances to preserve public's health - President

Sri Lanka recruited recruited 5,000 new permanent employees including pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics, midwives and health assistants with the objective of uplifting the health sector

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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the appointment letters to the new health sector employees at a ceremony held Monday (05) at the Temple Trees.

Addressing the ceremony, the President said the state has allocated 100 billion rupees by 2012 to uplift the health sector whereas the allocations were only 30 million rupees when he assumed power in 2005.  He further said a supplementary allocation was also approved three months ago to purchase essential drugs.

President Rajapaksa said that it was the belief of the government that public servants can surpass the private sector in terms of efficiency and the UPFA government has placed much trust in public service.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa also added that the government will unstintingly reserve allocations to preserve the public's health.

Out of the employees appointed, 4,000 were casual and temporary employees that were confirmed permanent. Another 1,000 were recruited newly as paramedics.

The Health Ministry also has recruited 70 pharmacists, 24 physiotherapists, 6 professional therapists, 24 medical laboratory technicians, 438 family health officers and 54 trainee family health officers.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Deputy Health Minister Lalith Dissanayake and Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayathialake were also present.