Police officers most affected by non-communicable diseases

Sri Lanka’s Health and Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has raised concern over the rising number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among police officers, revealing that the Police Department accounts for nearly 30% of all NCD cases reported in the state sector.

Speaking at the launch of the “Arogya” mobile health clinic in the Gampaha District on Thursday, the Minister said police personnel have the highest rate of NCDs among all public sector employees.

He stressed that keeping the force numbering around 84,000 in good health is vital to national security and public order.

The newly launched Arogya initiative will provide medical consultations, routine health screenings, and mental health counselling for police officers across the country, aiming to address both physical and psychological well-being.