Director General of Health Services Inspects Puttalam Hospitals

Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the Director General of Health Services, made a surprise inspection of emergency services at primary and district hospitals in Sri Lanka's Puttalam district. The visit, which occurred on August 27, 2026, aimed to assess and bolster the emergency treatment units (ETU) within the nation's primary healthcare network.

The inspection covered facilities in Kalpitiya, Marawila, and Anamaduwa, as well as the Puttalam District General Hospital. Dr. Gunawardena paid close attention to the human and physical resources available for emergency services, emphasizing the need for development in these areas.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media's broader strategy to strengthen emergency care across the country. The goal is to ensure that emergency services operate under standardized protocols and methodologies in all health institutions, ultimately safeguarding the lives of all individuals seeking treatment.

The efforts are supported by the College of Emergency Physicians and the College of Family Physicians, who are coordinating the implementation of the Emergency Life Support (ELS) guidelines. This collaborative approach seeks to enhance the quality and consistency of emergency medical care nationwide.