PHM-Exch> Sri Lanka PHMMeeting – 23.06.2020

[Claudio Schuftan]

Following the lifting of restrictions to control the Corona epidemic and
with the normalcy settling in, PHM Sri Lanka had its first meeting on
23.06.2020 in Colombo. The gathering represented trade unions,
universities, health authorities and professionals, women’s organizations,
and professional bodies.  Basically, there were two objectives in the
agenda, i.e.:

·       To decide as to how PHM s to face any further developments in the
epidemic and its control

·       To share details of activities implemented or supported by PHM

The discussions focused on the following:

*Right to health:*  Since the inception of the Sri Lankan Chapter of PHM,
the struggle for enshrining Right to Health in Sri Lankan Constitution has
been a key issue. Over the years, PHM has gained some successes such as
representation at te Constitution Committee,  inclusion of the proposal in
the Parliamentary Order Book No. 3 and Supplement dated July 26, 2019.
During this meeting it was *decided to contact political parties* with a
view to have the Right to Health in their political manifestos.

PHM sees that the present success in controlling the pandemic in the
country is attributable to free public health services.  If the health
services were in the hands of the private sector, the results would have
been disastrous as in countries where health services are dominated by the
private sector.

*COVID 19 prevention measures:* The participants observed the successes and
failures of preventive measures undertaken and absurdity of some of those.
Use of masks has helped in a reduction of  respiratory infections according
to records but the issues related to the standards of making masks, proper
wearing of those, disposal of used masks, and so forth the were discussed.

As well, attention was paid to the concerns about shortfalls of
disinfection measures. All agreed to continue engaging in health education
since the possibility of a second wave have not been completely ruled out.
All viewed the disinfection chambers were a waste of money.

Also, there was concern about the candidates and parties who attempt to
gain political mileage to their election campaigns out of the successes
whereas they were dormant while health workers and security forces were
battling to stop the incidence.

*Communicating PHM activities:* It was decided to release the next issue of
the journal in mid July 2020 and participants were requested to send in
their articles. Also, it was decided to update the WatsApp group in a day
or two since the previous administrator has left the country.

Following this the proceedings were winded up.

Prepared by: Somaratne Herath
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