80% of Sri Lanka’s annual deaths caused by non-communicable diseases

The Ministry of Health states that 80% of the annual deaths occurring in Sri Lanka are caused by non-communicable diseases and related complications.

The Ministry has pointed out that 15% of Sri Lanka’s population under the age of 35 years suffer from diabetes while 35% of that population suffer from High Blood Pressure, as per the health records.

Surveys have revealed that the main reason for this situation is due to the lack of exercise, according to the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, the physical wellness unit established in the Ministry of Health premises was recently declared open by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Palitha Maheepala. The Health Ministry highlighted that plans are underway to establish similar physical wellness units in government hospitals as well, in the future.