Western Province
Western Province, one of the nine provinces of Sri Lanka, with an area of 3552 sq. km. has an estimated population for 2006 (Dept. of census & statistics) of 5,648,000 (including Colombo Municipal Council) which is 28% of the total population of Sri Lanka and a population density of 1590 persons / sq.km.
This province is situated in the Western coast of Sri Lanka, bounded by the Maha Oya in the North and Bentota river in the South, with Kurunegala, Kegalla and Ratnapura districts forming the eastern boundary. It is a part of the low country wet zone, where 95% of the land belongs to the South West plain which is between 0 – 300 meters above sea level and the rest in the moderately hilly area which is more than 300 meters above sea level. Two major rivers of Sri Lanka, namely Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga flow across the province.
A high temperature is experienced from March to June with the coolest period from November to January. The temperature ranges from 270- 300 C. Western province experiences both South West monsoon ( May- August) and the North East monsoon (October- January) with evening thunder showers during the inter monsoon period (February – April). The average rainfall may reach 2500 mm or more. Heavy rain fall may give rise to floods especially around the basins of the two main rivers, Kelani and Kalu Ganga.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenapura and the commercial capital Colombo are both situated in Western Province. migration. Over crowding and environmental pollution leading to many health problems is a major concern. Changing life style due to the current changes in the economic and social structure has given rise to chronic diseases increasing the demand on health facilities.
Investment promotion zones, one of the main modes of revenue of Sri Lanka, namely Katunayake, Biyagama, Seethawakapura and Wathupitiwela with a work force of about 100,000 which mainly constitute young females are situated in this province. These investment zones have an impact on the population structure of these particular areas giving rise to social and health problems concerning reproductive health.
When considering the health facilities in Western Province, in addition to the medical institutions belonging to the Department of When considering the health facilities in Western Province, in addition to the medical institutions belonging to the Department of Health of Western Provincial Council, there are many tertiary care institutions namely, The National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, De Soyza Maternity Home for Women, Castle Street Hospital, Teaching Hospital Colombo South, Teaching Hospital Colombo North, Chest Hospital Welisara, Wijaya Kumaratunge Hospital Seeduwa, DH Kandana and Cancer Institute Maharagama which come under the administration of the Central Ministry of Health.
Therefore when considering the utilization pattern of medical services under the Department of Health of Western Province, it may not relate to the proportion of population of this province. Western province has experienced a remarkable development in the private health sector in the recent past, which has expanded the availability of health services both in quantity and quality with latest technology. This development has increased the challenges faced by the government health sector in providing a comprehensive service to the community. |
Department of Health
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