PHM-Exch> [PHM News] REPORT ON LAUNCHING OF GLOBAL HEALTH WATCH 3 Sri Lanka

[Claudio Schuftan]

 *REPORT ON LAUNCHING OF GLOBAL HEALTH WATCH 3*

* *

Launching of Global Health Watch 3 was held on 23 July 2013 in Colombo, Sri
Lanka.   Co-ordinating the event was done by the Convenor of People’s
Health Movement  – Sri Lanka (PHM – SL), Mr Sirimal Peiris.  Dr Vinya
Ariyaratne, the National Co-ordinator of PHM Sri Lanka presided at the
Meeting.

On opening the session, it was stated that the main objective of PHM is to
uplift the people’s health in Sri Lanka.  PHM always protected the health
rights, especially PHM is concerned about the deprived people.  PHM is
working against the privatization of health.  Community participation is
very essential when we speak about health.  PHM has launched this report as
an alternative report of the World Health Organization (WHO). PHM–SL works
mainly on a voluntary basis and since year 2000 it has grown to a
reasonable level.  Many voluntary organizations around Sri Lanka come under
the banner of PHM.  Sarvodaya Movement is only a facilitating organization.
All organizations hold equal rights.  Our objective is protection of health
rights of the people.

The value of Global Health Watch 3 was explained as it mention the present
world economic crisis and how it is related to people’s health. It also
covers health care financing and health systems highlighting the gravity of
international trade on health. By producing Global Health Watch 3, it has
added value not only to the masses but also to the professionals in the
field of health.

The great services rendered by Dr K Balasubramaniam was remembered; due
place has to be given to Dr Bala as he was one of the pioneers of the
People’s Health Movement. Dr Bala took drastic measures to launch a Drugs
Policy in Sri Lanka.  Although Dr Bala dedicated his life to fulfill his
desire, up to now we have not been able to implement this policy.

On the political account of health it was stressed that when the left
movement was strong in Sri Lanka, the then leaders of the earlier
governments considered about the people’s health and some concessions were
given to the masses.  But, if the left movement is weak, governments will
take off the concessions granted to the people and cut off the benefits
enjoyed by the people.  At present, the state health services are getting
deteriorated day by day and are on the verge of collapsing and the health
services are being privatized.  Thus, the health services are becoming
commoditized. Safeguarding of the health services can only be done by
strengthening the left movement.

The hon Minister of National Languages and Social Integration explained the
economic crisis faced by the present Government. The Government is not
taking action to impose taxes on the people who should be taxed and due to
this reason the income position of the Government is not satisfactory.  At
present, the main income the Government earns is from tourism and from the
migrant workers overseas.  All development work is carried out by obtaining
huge loans from foreign countries.  Hence, sufficient funds are not
received for health services.  Therefore, the People’s Health Movement
should be more vigilant to safeguard the health rights of the people in
order to protect them.

A copy of Global Health Watch 3 was given to the Director of Health
Education Bureau of the Ministry of Health.  She offered sentiments to
PHM–SL and its members.  She mentioned that she is aware that members of
PHM–SL are rendering yeomen service towards the upliftment of health in the
country. She stressed the value of community participation for health
activities.  She also took the opportunity to thank PHM-SL for inviting her
to this important event in the sphere of health and wished all success.

After the launching of GHW3, many participants brought up the health
problems encountered in their respective areas, such as occupational health
problems, the difficulties faced by the Free Trade Zone employees and rural
sector.

*SIRIMAL PEIRIS*

*PHM – SRI LANKA*
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