Govt. aims to boost indigenous medicine healthcare for tourism

Thursday, 19 December 2024 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa outlines three key areas of focus to transform sector
Highlights Govt.’s intention to use expertise of local medical professionals to achieve tourism revenue goals
Addresses challenges facing the indigenous medical sector, pledging swift action to resolve pressing issues and enhance its potential

The Government yesterday announced that it aims to consolidate indigenous medicine practices, integrating them with the broader healthcare and tourism industries.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa shared this vision during a review meeting with officials from the Indigenous Medicine Ministry.

He outlined three key areas of focus to transform the indigenous medicine sector: promoting a healthy lifestyle across the population, integrating various medical systems – including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Western medicine and establishing centres as single units at the district level to enhance accessibility and efficiency. These efforts aim to improve healthcare services while positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for wellness tourism.

Noting that Sri Lanka Tourism is aiming to generate $ 8.5 billion revenue and 5 million arrivals in the next five years, he said for next year the industry aims to draw 3 million tourists. He highlighted the Government’s intention to use the expertise of local medical professionals to achieve its tourism revenue goals.

The Minister noted the importance of merging traditional and modern medical practices to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions. He said the country operates 1,164 Government hospitals offering Western medicine and 112 Ayurvedic hospitals.

Plans are underway to upgrade services at these facilities, aligning them with global standards to attract medical tourists.

Identifying the unique strengthens of Sri Lanka’s indigenous medical systems by leveraging these practices alongside tourism, the country aims to cater to international demand for wellness-focused travel.

During the meeting, the Minister also addressed the challenges facing the indigenous medical sector, pledging swift action to resolve pressing issues and enhance its potential.

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