(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – In order to strengthen the rights and responsibilities of patients, the preparation of a proposal from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health was discussed at the Committee meeting of the said, which met on 11.08.2023 Chaired by Hon. Mayantha Dissanayake, Member of Parliament.
Government institutions such as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka Medical Association, Sri Lanka Medical Council, Legal Aid Commission, Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission and representatives of many other institutions representing the protection of patients’ rights were present at the Committee discussion held. There was an exchange of views on further strengthening of existing regulations.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health discussed the proposal on the rights and responsibilities of the patients discussed during the Eighth Parliament and pointed out the need to pass it in parliament. Experts related to the medical profession and other organizations that advocate for the rights of patients widely discussed in this regard during the Committee meeting held. The Committee decided to prepare a final proposal by comparing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Health and the proposal submitted by the Sri Lanka Medical Association.
Dr. Shalala Ahmadova, the office representative for the World Health Organization Sri Lanka was in agreement to the said.
Moreover, the Committee suggested to study the related proposals in countries like India and Thailand and to contribute those proposals to strengthen this proposal.
Members of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Rajitha Senarathne, Hon. (Dr.) Gayashan Nawananda, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. (Dr.) Upul Galappaththi and Hon. Lalith Varna Kumara were present at the Committee meeting held.
