It has been observed in many instances that the family members of heroic soldiers who fought and made supreme sacrifice for securing the territorial integrity of our motherland, as well as retired military personnel and their family members, are facing various difficulties in obtaining health facilities from government hospitals.
This matter was given priority among the problems presented by the war veterans during the special programs organized by the Sri Lanka Army under the auspices of the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, to address their welfare and administrative affairs.
During the war and for several years since the end of the war, society widely accepted military members and their families. However, this acceptance is now gradually waning, with some even forgetting that a war once ravaged this country.
In the field of health, some war veterans have to endure long queues to receive required treatment, often while sitting in wheelchairs or standing on crutches. This is despite the difficult conditions they face when seeking facilities from government hospitals.
In some cases, they have to travel from distant areas to Colombo or other major cities for treatment, where disabled war veterans are further inconvenienced by waiting in long queues.
After assessing the current circumstances, State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon met with Health Minister Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana today (May 20) at the Ministry of Health to discuss the issues.
The discussion included plans to reactivate the ‘Suvaviru Cards’, which prioritize retired war veterans and family members of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. They also discussed strategies to address the problems encountered by these individuals when seeking health facilities from government hospitals.
