What do you do if an elderly person in your home, like your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather, gets sick? Maybe they have a chronic illness like diabetes or high blood pressure that requires ongoing medication. Or maybe you're wondering what to do if they suddenly get sick. Today, let's simply talk about what health facilities we have in our country, Sri Lanka, in such a situation, and how to use them properly.
Who can access these health services?
Simply put, every citizen of Sri Lanka has the right to free government health services. This is regardless of age, income level, or anything else. However, today we are focusing on three key groups in our society:
- Our dear seniors who are 60 years old or older.
- Even though they are young, they are living with long-term illnesses or certain disabilities .
- Any person of any age with special medical conditions, such as those requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant due to kidney failure (`(End-Stage Renal Disease)`).
Health facilities for our seniors (over 60 years of age)
If an adult in your household develops a common illness, such as a fever or a cold, you can take them to the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the nearest government hospital. The doctor there will examine them and provide them with the necessary medicine free of charge.
However, many adults have chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. We call these non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For those with such diseases, special clinics, or clinics , are held in government hospitals.
You can go to this clinic, which usually opens about once a month, see a doctor, get the necessary tests done, and get all the medicine you need for that month at once. All of this is free.
When you register for this, you will receive a "clinic book." This book records all the details of your medical condition, medications given, and test reports. Therefore, it is very important to keep this book very carefully.
For those with special illnesses and disabilities
Some medical conditions require special attention and treatment. Let's look at a few examples.
Kidney Failure
For those whose kidneys are almost completely dysfunctional and who need dialysis, there are special units in major government hospitals. Although this treatment is very expensive, government hospitals provide this service free of charge to eligible patients. To avail of this, you need a recommendation from the kidney specialist who examines you.
Other disabilities
Imagine that someone has suffered a stroke and is paralyzed and unable to walk. Or an accident has left them with long-term disability. In such cases, the necessary exercises and treatment can be obtained through the physiotherapy units in government hospitals. This helps the patient to regain their ability to do their work. These services are also free.
If you want to know about this type of situation, you can talk to your family doctor and ask him how to access these services.
Difference between government and private services
In addition to government services in our country, there are private hospitals and health insurance systems. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at these.
| Feature | Government health service | Private healthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Almost completely free. | You have to pay for every service. |
| Seeing a doctor | You can meet at the OPD or clinic. You may have to wait in line. | You can make an appointment ("channel") to see a specialist. |
| Tests and treatments | Necessary tests and treatments are free, but some expensive tests may take longer. | You can get tested quickly by paying money. |
| Health Insurance | not applicable. | You can get health insurance to cover the costs of private hospitals. |
Private health insurance (`(Health Insurance)`) is a system where you pay a certain amount of money monthly or annually to an insurance company, and if you get sick, the company covers the cost of treatment at a private hospital. There are even special insurance systems for the elderly . But before buying this insurance, you should carefully research its rules and what is covered.
What to do in an emergency?
This is very important. If someone in your household has an emergency, such as an accident or a heart attack, the immediate thing to do is to take them to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest government hospital.
At the ETU, the patient's condition is assessed and the necessary basic treatment is started immediately. The doctors there will decide whether to admit the patient to a ward or transfer him to another hospital for further treatment. Going to the ETU without wasting time can even save a life.
Take-Home Message
- All citizens of Sri Lanka can receive free healthcare from government hospitals. This is our right.
- If an adult in your home has a long-term illness like diabetes or high blood pressure, register with the nearest hospital clinic.
- Keep all medical records, such as clinic books and test reports, in one file, neatly and carefully. This is very valuable in an emergency.
- Private healthcare and insurance are additional options. Research them carefully before making a decision.
- In case of an emergency, do not waste time and go straight to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- If you have any questions about this, never be afraid to ask your family doctor or a doctor at the hospital.
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