Measures to Deliver Medicines to Homes; Health Minister Nalinda

30-Nov-2025

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Basic healthcare and medical facilities have been provided to people sheltered in temporary safety camps following floods and landslides. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that arrangements have been made to deliver medicines directly to the homes of patients who ordinarily receive them at clinics.

He made these remarks at a media briefing on the current natural disaster situation, held on November 28 at the Army Headquarters in Pelawatta. He further noted:

Basic healthcare and medical facilities are being provided to those staying in temporary safety camps through regional health service directors and medical officers. The military, including all three armed forces, has also been deployed to support these services.

In particular, arrangements have been made to deliver clinic medicines to patients’ homes. These measures will be implemented through the state disaster-relief mechanism. Several hospitals have also been affected by the disaster situation.

It had earlier been decided to evacuate patients from the Chilaw District Hospital due to rising water levels in the Deduru Oya. However, the situation has now been brought under control, and patients have not been relocated. 

Although preparations were made to transfer about 260 patients to the Marawila and Nikaweratiya District Hospitals, the situation allowed patients to remain on the upper floors of the same hospital. Transport services are on standby should relocation become necessary.

A similar situation was reported at the Mahiyanganaya Base Hospital, where patients are being treated on upper floors. Roads leading to Mahiyanganaya have been badly damaged, although hospital operations continue without disruption.