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Chronic disorders that are not predominantly brought on by infectious agents are referred to as non-communicable diseases or NCDs. These consist of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Children, adults, and the elderly are all susceptible to the risk factors that lead to nonommunicable diseases, which include poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, exposure to tobacco smoke, problematic alcohol consumption, and air pollution (WHO 2023). These chronic illnesses such as chronic lung disease, have been found to be responsible for three out of every five fatalities globally (Jayawardena et al. 2023). Ediriweera, et al. (2018) states that NCDs account for 63% of all fatalities worldwide making them a major cause of death. The burden of chronic illnesses has a negative impact on both national and international economies conditions inevitably make it more difficult to effectively manage those illnesses (Jayawardena t al. 2023). The World Health Organization (2023) mentioned that people with less access to health care are more likely to be exposed to dangerous items like tobacco or poor eating habits, vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people are more likely to become ill and pass away sooner than those in higher social positions.

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Sri Lanka’s health system is already under a lot of strain from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s healthcare system’s viability is further stressed by the ongoing economic crisis (Madurawala 2023). The NCD mortality rate in Sri Lanka rose from 15.8% to 19.1% between 2001 and 2010, with males experiencing higher mortality than females during this time (Ediriweera, et al. 2018). NCDs account for 83% of all fatalities in Sri Lanka, with tobacco use, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, and inactivity contributing to a large percentage (Viane and Esera (2023). Addressing NCDs is essential to preserving the social and economic stability of the country in light of the ageing population and changing lifestyle.

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When Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, it was ahead of South Korea in terms of per capita income in 1960 and second to Japan on most socioeconomic measures; however, it has subsequently fallen behind most of its Asian neighbours (Coomaraswamy et al. 2023). There has been numerous crises that have severely impacted Sri Lanka’s economy, resulting in a debt default and significant economic shock in 2022. This led to a severe recession in 2022 (with a GDP growth rate of -7.8%), and although there are some indicators that things are starting to stabilise in 2023, the crisis is still having a significant impact on the economy (Verick 2023). Sri Lanka had a strong healthcare system and positive indicators before the crisis. However, the current state of affairs has resulted in an increase in out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare as well as shortages of necessary medications and medical equipment (Athauda-Arachchi et al. 2024). Because of this crisis, the government of Sri Lanka determined that it was necessary to raise the cost of vital medications by 40 in April 2022 which was followed by an additional rise for medical devices in September 2022 (Athauda-Arachchi et al. 2024). Root (2023) mentions that a year into Sri Lanka’s drastic economic downturn, the nation’s public health systems are in ruins due to medication shortages, postponed procedures, and a medical professional exodus. The World Health Organization reports that within the past year, supplies of necessary pharmaceuticals, including blood thinners, antibiotics, vaccinations, anaesthesia, and cancer treatment therapies have occasionally ran short (Root 2023). Laboratory testing have also had to be halted at a number of public hospitals because of staffing shortages, chemical reagent shortages, or delays in machine maintenance (Roots 2023). This crisis has cause Sri Lanka’s healthcare to the brink of collapse and is causing people that live in the country to not have access to healthcare and medicines the way they used to.

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Unfortunately because of the economic crisis and its effect on healthcare in the country, many people have suffered due to the delay and increase in price in healthcare. An officer from a Provincial Health Ministry participated in an interview stating that in the long run, the prevalence of risk factors will undoubtedly increase eventually, and individuals who already suffer from NCDs may find it challenging to manage their conditions (Madurawala 2023).

Another lady, Almeida, spoke about a coworker who has been waiting over six months for a surgery despite the fact that he has a 90% blockage in his heart and could pass away at any time (Root 2023). When he visited the clinic, eight medications were prescribed to him; none of these are available in the government hospital (Root 2023).

The director-general of the Sri Lanka Red Cross society, Dr. Gunasekara, stated that access to healthcare is an issue and that when you do have medical attention, you are unable to obtain medication since services and medication are no longer available (Root 2023).

Root (2023) also mentioned a story a of a 20-year-old student who family is not able to afford even three meals everyday and unfortunately has developed some irritation of the stomach lining called gastritis.

Because of the economic crisis, food and healthcare prices have gone up making it almost impossible for people to take care of themselves and get the right treatment.

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A comprehensive strategy is needed to address Sri Lanka’s healthcare and economic issues, especially in regard to managing illness such as cancer and lung disease, that affects so much of the country. These problems are significant because poor health results can impede economic growth, and financial limitations can restrict access and resources for healthcare. Athauda-Arachchi et al. (2024) states that the patients cost burden would be less ended if everyone had access to all necessary medications and laboratory testing, however this would be difficult for Sri Lanka because of the country’s poor public budget. Given Sri Lanka’s rapidly ageing population, officials must make sure the nation’s social and economic institutions are prepared to handle any future health issues and societal repercussions (Attygalle 2019).

Abayasekara (2021) believes that setting priorities and making effective use of the money that is available are essential to meeting Sri Lanka’s evolving health and financial needs. Abayasekara (2021) used an example of in many of the hospitals, they will not allocate funds for new equipment until the one that is in use completely stops working which can cause major delays. Attygalle (2019) gave an example of creating life centres and setting up community-based NCD screening in Primary Medical Care Instititutions are two ways we could combine the prevention and treatment of NCD’s with correct allocation of funding.

Attygalle (2019) also suggests that enhancing the effectiveness and dependability of pharmaceutical and medical supply chains, meaning that all healthcare professionals have the knowledge and resources needed to give the citizens of Sri Lanka primary healthcare.

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Reference list

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