More than 25,000 patients across Sri Lanka are waiting for heart surgeries and related medical procedures, with some facing delays until 2029, prompting calls from medical professionals for urgent government action.

The Sri Lankan healthcare system is grappling with a significant backlog, as more than 25,000 patients currently await heart surgeries, major surgical interventions, and diagnostic tests across the country. According to the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, some patients requiring heart surgery face waiting periods extending to 2029, highlighting the severity of delays in the public health system.

Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, president of the alliance, expressed concern that a Government initiative to utilise President's Fund resources for reducing hospital waiting lists has not been effectively implemented. He emphasised that the prolonged delays disproportionately affect low-income populations who cannot afford private medical care and are therefore dependent on state hospital services.

To address the crisis, Dr. Sanjeewa recommended that the Government increase allocations from the President's Fund to enable patients at public hospitals to access treatment at private facilities at regulated rates. He also called for systemic improvements including expanded training programmes for specialist doctors, enhanced hospital infrastructure, and better availability of surgical and diagnostic equipment.

The extended waiting times raise questions about the Government's capacity to manage healthcare demand, particularly for procedures that may require urgent medical attention. Without intervention, the backlog is expected to continue growing, potentially affecting patient outcomes and forcing individuals to seek costly private alternatives.