Aging population in Sri Lanka is on the increase

Sri Lanka is experiencing an ageing population like many Western countries in Europe where life expectancy has grown from 71 - 75 years which is higher than the neighbouring countries.

The incidence of cancers in Sri Lanka have been less than that of Ireland while infant mortality have also decreased, said Brian McEnery, Partner of BDO Ireland and the ACCA’s Immediate Past Global President, speaking at the JAIC Hilton Colombo on “Opportunities and Challenges in Private Healthcare Sector” on Tuesday.
He said as the Sri Lankan population ages the demand on health resources will begin to rise and a strategic plan has to be in place. Inpatient care in hospitals in Sri Lanka was high due to patients suffering from liver, kidney disease and other physical injuries are hospitalized for longer periods incurring a higher cost. Referring to the Sri Lankan economy he said a steady growth in the GDP was recorded in recent years while expenditure on health care is likely to grow around 11 per cent, higher than Pakistan or India but less than China, Mexico, Columbia and other countries. “It is important to strike a healthy balance between private and public partnership in health care as health was important to an individual of every country.” 
Countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal have a higher birth rate than Sri Lanka. However the birth rate in Western European countries was also much less than the death rate. ”In Ireland the birth rate has doubled and the figures are similar to ones in Sri Lanka.”
He said due to lower birth rates in Sri Lanka than neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka’s aging population is bound to swell in the future. ”There is a growing need for social care as the population ages and this will be a growing need recognizing cultural norms.”
Prof. Srinath Chandrasekera, Consultant Urologist of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, said that there are many patients in private and public hospitals due to less restrictions placed on admission. 
He said any one has the liberty to get admitted to any hospital in Sri Lanka without any hassle. This has enabled the medical profession to work both in the private and the state sector thus reducing the need to seek greener pastures abroad. The private sector has played a significant role in their contribution to the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka. Prof. Asitha De Silva Senior Professor of Pharmacology of the Kelaniya University and ACCA President Adrian Perera also spoke.  
Meanwhile statistics reveal that US spends $10.348 person a year on healthcare while Sri Lanka spends $353.  The event was organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of Sri Lanka. (JJ)