April 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has rolled out a landmark set of national guidelines governing the use of medical oxygen across state-run hospitals, marking a significant step towards improving patient care standards. The programme was launched under the leadership of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa at a ceremony held in Colombo.
Developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF, the guidelines are designed to bring uniformity to oxygen therapy practices while enhancing the technical expertise of healthcare personnel. Officials say the move comes amid increasing recognition of oxygen as a critical component in emergency and long-term treatment.
The initiative was spearheaded by Additional Secretary (Medical Services) Kumara Wickramasinghe, who oversaw the drafting and consolidation of the protocols before presenting them to the minister. The framework outlines best practices for oxygen administration, storage, and monitoring, aiming to reduce wastage and improve efficiency.
In parallel with the launch, an islandwide training drive has been initiated. The first group, comprising around 100 healthcare professionals including consultants and senior medical officers, has already begun specialised instruction. These participants are expected to pass on their knowledge at provincial and district levels, creating a cascading effect throughout the public health system.
Speaking at the event, Minister Jayatissa highlighted the substantial financial burden associated with maintaining oxygen supplies in hospitals. He expressed confidence that the new standards, combined with structured training, would not only streamline resource management but also elevate the overall quality of care provided to patients.
Health authorities believe that this coordinated approach will strengthen the resilience of the healthcare sector, ensuring that life-saving oxygen therapy is delivered more effectively and consistently across the country.
