Russia Offers Full Support to Upgrade Sri Lanka’s Healthcare System

COLOMBO (News 1st); Russia has expressed its readiness to provide full support to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, with a special focus on primary healthcare and modern technology, during high-level discussions held today (4) in Colombo.

The talks took place at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media between Russian Federation Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The meeting was held during Minister Murashko’s three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, which began on 3 May.

Discussions centred on enhancing Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare services while integrating advanced technological solutions into the health sector, including the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan were also present at the meeting.

Minister Murashko recalled the longstanding friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation and stated that Russia is prepared to extend comprehensive support to help develop Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. He emphasised Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of the Sri Lankan people while further deepening bilateral ties.

Explaining Russia’s healthcare model, the Minister said primary healthcare is treated as a priority through carefully planned methodologies aimed at delivering quality services. He highlighted that Russia actively develops and uses modern medical equipment and advanced technologies, including AI-based systems, as part of its healthcare delivery.

Sri Lankan officials were briefed on a modern AI-driven technological system developed in Russia, capable of identifying and diagnosing 42 different diseases among agricultural and urban populations. The system also includes services related to laboratory diagnostics and paediatric care.

Minister Murashko invited Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Sri Lankan health officials to undertake an official visit to Russia to observe the Russian healthcare system firsthand and study modern treatment services supported by advanced medical equipment and AI technology, noting that Russia is ready to facilitate all necessary arrangements.

In addition, the Russian Health Minister expressed willingness to assist Sri Lanka in addressing existing challenges, including energy-related issues. He also indicated interest in strengthening cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply between the two countries.

Minister Murashko further stated that Russia is ready to offer advanced medical education opportunities for Sri Lankan doctors and noted that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Mass Media would help advance cooperation through closer coordination.

Responding to the discussions, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa welcomed the proposals and insights shared by the Russian delegation. He outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services in Sri Lanka and highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies and advanced medical equipment to improve the country’s health system.