Local Access Helps Increase Applications for Medical Assistance
AI-generated editorial illustration for Sri Express.
Applications for medical assistance from the President’s Fund increased by 59% after access was extended through Divisional Secretariat offices, according to figures released on 9 February.
The Fund received 5,277 applications in 2025, compared with 3,313 in 2024. Its report said more than 70% of the applicants had already received assistance.
Regional increases were particularly marked in the Northern Province, where applications rose by 253%. Growth of 135%, 116% and 108% was reported for the Eastern, Central and Uva provinces respectively.
The local application service began on 7 February 2025. Officials said decentralisation and digital services allowed people to apply closer to home, while other Fund programmes were also being made accessible through the same network.
Source: news.lk
