A program to generate income for Sri Lanka through health tourism is expected to be prepared, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka said, addressing an event organized on the occasion of the International Nurses Day.
He emphasized that in a country like Sri Lanka, which boasts a beautiful environment, the ‘Health Tourism’ program is highly advantageous, and that the nursing centre should devise new programs to help generate revenue for the country.
"As a Sri Lankan, I am aware that many Sri Lankans living in England and Australia come back to our country to receive medical treatment. However, we should not view this as a negative thing. Instead, we can turn this into a business opportunity and develop this aspect of our healthcare system further," he said.
Director General of Trade Unions to the President Saman Ratnapriya said that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the National Nursing University.
Noting that 13,000 nurses have not been promoted yet, Ratnapriya said that due to the President's intervention, measures have been taken to promote these deserving individuals.
Despite the economic crisis, he said the government has approved the recruitment of 6,500 people for the nursing service.
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Promotion Manusha Nanayakkara and former Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne were also in attendance.
