The World Bank has sanctioned $150 million to bolster Sri Lanka's primary healthcare infrastructure, aiming to improve the quality and utilization of services across the country.

This financing, approved by the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors, targets the enhancement of primary medical care institutions that deliver essential health services to local communities. The initiative seeks to address capacity challenges and the lack of a formal referral mechanism, which have resulted in the underutilization of primary healthcare facilities and overcrowding at tertiary care centers.

The project builds on previous efforts by the World Bank, which upgraded 550 Primary Medical Care Institutions with necessary equipment, medicines, health workers, and basic laboratory testing capabilities. The new funding will extend these improvements to all districts in Sri Lanka, covering over 1,000 facilities and providing a more comprehensive service package with heightened care quality.

“The expansion to 100% coverage of Primary Medical Care Institutions will significantly improve access to essential health services and ensure better health outcomes for the population”, stated the World Bank in its announcement.

This initiative aligns with the World Bank's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery systems in developing countries, ensuring that communities have access to reliable and high-quality primary healthcare services.