• Road accidents top the list among the leading causes of fatalities

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In a shocking revelation, Health Minister Dr. Ramesh  Pathirana said approximately 1 million hospital admissions and 12,000  deaths are reported per year in the country due to accidents.   

This staggering number highlights the significant danger and urgency surrounding this issue, stressed the Minister.   He expressed this while addressing the International Conference on Injury Prevention held at the Waters Edge recently.   

In addition, these accidents result in around 12,000 deaths  annually, which equates to an average of 1,000 deaths per month or  nearly 35 deaths per day.   

“Traffic accidents result in approximately 3,000 annual  fatalities, suffocation (including strangulation) claims the lives of  around 2,000 individuals, while drowning and falls contribute to an  additional 1,000 and 1,500 deaths respectively. Various types of  poisoning lead to approximately 1,200 fatalities, while hundreds more  succumb to electrocution, burns, and animal attacks. The individuals  aged between 15-44 are susceptible to these accidents,” he said.   

“Among the leading causes of these fatalities, road  accidents top the list. This alarming trend demands immediate attention  and action to address the social impacts, prevention measures, remedial  actions and the strengthening of various sectors involved in tackling  these issues,” he underscored.   

The Minister of Health has expressed full commitment to implementing effective policy actions in response to this crisis.