Sri Lanka has introduced its first national guideline series on the use of oxygen in government hospitals, under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.  

The initiative, prepared by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, aims to standardize oxygen use in patient care and strengthen technical knowledge among medical administrators, specialists, and health professionals.

According to the Ministry of Health, Additional Secretary (Medical Services) Kumara Wickramasinghe led the compilation of the guidelines, which were formally handed over to Minister Jayatissa.

Alongside the launch, a series of training programs has begun, with 100 health professionals, including specialist doctors, set to be trained. They will then train staff at the district and provincial levels to ensure consistent practices across hospitals.

Addressing the launch event in Colombo recently, Minister Jayatissa noted that the government spends a significant sum annually on oxygen for hospital services, and emphasized that the guidelines and training programs would improve the quality and organization of patient care. 

He also highlighted that oxygen production units have already been established at Tissamaharama Base Hospital, Avissawella District General Hospital, Udugama Base Hospital, and Kegalle District General Hospital, meeting local needs and supplying surplus oxygen to other hospitals.

The event was attended by UNICEF Sri Lanka Resident Representative Emma Brigham, UNICEF Health and Nutrition Manager Abner Daniel, senior officials of the Health Ministry, hospital directors, provincial and regional health directors, medical faculty representatives, and specialist doctors.