By Sheain Fernandopulle   

An alarming number of approximately 40 government hospitals across the island have shut down, with an additional 100 on the verge of closure.  The affected hospitals, lacking medical staff, are predominantly located in the Northern Province, Puttalam, and Nuwara Eliya Districts.  

 This was disclosed during a meeting held between Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Health officials yesterday (27).   

As such, the Health Minister issued directives to officials at the Ministry of Health, urging swift action to reopen and sustain operations in hospitals facing closure. The minister emphasised the need to reinstate patient care services promptly.   

Moreover, investigations have unveiled that the current closures and impending shutdowns stem from various factors, including doctors relocating abroad, retiring, undergoing transfers, and resigning from their positions.