April 07, Colombo (LNW): A significant backlog in paediatric surgical care has come to light, with Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital currently carrying a waiting list of 2,712 young patients, according to Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni.
The figures were disclosed in Parliament in response to a query raised by Opposition MP Rohini Wijerathne, prompting renewed concern over access to timely treatment for children.
Breaking down the numbers, the Deputy Minister stated that 1,025 children are awaiting cardiothoracic procedures, marking the largest category. A further 593 patients are in need of general surgery, while 388 are lined up for eye-related operations. In addition, 266 children are awaiting ear, nose and throat procedures, and 240 require plastic or reconstructive surgery.
He also noted that 133 children are pending spinal operations, 48 are scheduled for orthopaedic interventions, and 19 are awaiting neurosurgical procedures.
Health officials acknowledged that the scale of the backlog reflects ongoing challenges within the system, including limited surgical capacity and high demand for specialised care. The total number of children currently waiting for surgery remains at 2,712, underscoring the urgency of addressing delays in treatment.