The Health Ministry has set up a 24 hour hotline for the public in view of various medical problems they could be faced with during the festive season and afterwards, Health Ministry officials announced at a discussion with the media, on Wednesday.
They said the hotline – 0710107107 – could be accessed across the country and operated by qualified medical personnel . “It will be in all three languages to enable everyone to benefit. Patients who consume too much sugar and develop complications, or obese patients who develop breathing problems due to lack of oxygen going to their brain, burns from crackers and cooking , falls from ladders, swings, choking, can now telephone this hotline at any time of the day or night from anywhere in the country to get our advice”, they said.
In response to a query from the media, they assured , “It will not be a temporary measure.
It will continue as it has the approval of the Health Minister.” Participants in Wednesday’s discussion included NHSL Director, Dr W.K Wickramasinghe, Dr Karuna Jayasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr Anil Jasinghe, Director Eye Hospital Dr Lionel Muhandirangoda, Public Health Inspectors President Upul Rohana and Community Physician Dr Waruna Gunethilleke