Sri Lanka to strengthen primary healthcare with expanded family physician role
Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system is set to be strengthened through reforms centred on the role of the family physician, following discussions held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
The meeting was chaired by Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, and attended by officials of the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka.
During the discussion, CGPSL officials presented a series of proposals aimed at modernising primary healthcare services, including the introduction of electronic health records for all citizens, digitalisation of services, and the appointment of trained, full-time family physicians to manage primary care centres.
Proposals were also made to expand training opportunities for primary care doctors through the MCGP postgraduate programme in general and family medicine, with support from Medical Officers of Health (MOH).
The meeting further examined the current state of primary healthcare in Sri Lanka, the role and responsibilities of family physicians, operational challenges within the system, and international best practices in primary care delivery.
Minister Jayatissa emphasised that family physicians serve as the first line of defence against disease, noting their critical role in diagnosis, counselling and coordinating patient care. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives led by family physicians and encouraged innovation and policy input to build a healthier community through a strong primary healthcare system.
The CGPSL, established in 1969 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1974, is the national authority dedicated to advancing excellence in general and family medicine and improving the quality of primary care services in Sri Lanka.
Senior CGPSL officials, including President Dr. Pushpa Weerasinghe, Vice President Dr. Chandana Atapattu and Secretary Dr. Sankha Randeni Kumar, were also present at the meeting. (Newswire)
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