Dr Pulasthi Amarasinghe highlights Effective Health Financing and Digital Innovations as Key to Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Healthcare System

IPS Research Fellow, Dr Pulasthi Amarasinghe highlighted how South Asian countries can learn from each other’s health financing methods to improve healthcare delivery across the region. He made these remarks while speaking at the Regional Consultation Workshop on Innovative Ideas and Knowledge Sharing organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh in collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, held at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal, on 14 December 2024.

Speaking at the session on the ‘Universal Healthcare System’, Dr Amarasinghe emphasised that public support and strong political will are essential for implementing effective health-related taxation policies that can fund equitable and sustainable healthcare systems. He also underscored the transformative potential of digital innovations in addressing the region’s health challenges, such as reducing disease burdens and improving access to care.

The discussion further explored the benefits of fostering regional cooperation in areas like medical research and joint medicine procurement, which could lead to more robust and cost-effective health systems. The session concluded with a call for enhanced knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative efforts to address shared health challenges across South Asia.

The workshop was attended by researchers, academia, and policymakers across South and Southeast Asia. The workshop was focused on three thematic areas: Universal healthcare systems, Employment creation through technology, and Climate change adaptation and mitigation.