Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva raised a supplementary question regarding the high cost of medical devices that patients must purchase externally when hospital supplies are insufficient. He requested that the Ministry intervene to reduce the prices of such devices.

Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva raised two supplementary concerns regarding healthcare access for persons with disabilities. First, he highlighted communication barriers between health staff and persons with disabilities, particularly the lack of sign language support. Second, he drew attention to the practice of requiring admitted patients with disabilities to bring their own caregivers, noting this imposes a significant financial burden, and requested that the Deputy Minister propose alternative solutions to address both issues.

## Summary The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva submitted a written question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media seeking comprehensive information on government measures addressing healthcare access for persons with disabilities. The question covers four areas under two broad categories: first, the practical steps taken to ensure health and well-being, including facility accessibility, priority identification systems at medical institutions, and staff training in disability-sensitive service delivery; second, technical and policy strategies, including the use of new technology to improve health support, financial assistance programmes for medicines and medical tests, and measures to ensure equal access to health services. The member requested that the Minister provide detailed responses or explain why such measures have not been implemented.

## Summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva directed a written question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media seeking comprehensive information on measures taken to improve healthcare access and services for persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka. The question covers four areas under two parts: physical and clinical accessibility, priority identification procedures at medical institutions, staff training on disability-related competencies, and technological strategies for addressing healthcare needs of persons with disabilities. The member also sought specific details on financial assistance programmes for medicines and diagnostic tests, as well as steps taken to ensure equal access to health services across the board.