Accidents constitute the largest cause of hospital admissions in Sri Lanka, with approximately one million people requiring inpatient care annually due to such incidents, Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The Health Minister made these remarks during the launch of the National Accident Prevention Week, observed from July 7 to 11.
He highlighted that an estimated three million Sri Lankans, equivalent to one in every seven citizens, experience accidents requiring medical attention each year.
The majority of these victims belong to the economically active age group of 15 to 45 years.
Road traffic accidents, animal and snake bites, exposure to toxic substances, cuts, and burns are among the most common incidents reported nationwide. The Minister also noted that roughly 3,000 suicides occur annually.
Dr. Jayatissa drew attention to the fact that nearly half of all accidents happen in familiar environments such as homes or workplaces.
Alarmingly, between 10,000 and 12,000 deaths result from accidents every year, with about 75% occurring before victims reach hospital care.
The Minister stressed that timely intervention at the accident scene could potentially save many lives.
Beyond the human toll, the Health Ministry pointed out the significant economic impact of accidents, as they not only reduce workforce productivity but also place a heavy burden on government resources allocated for medical and emergency services.
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