Health Services Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala made this reference joining in a news conference organized by the Health Education Bureau in view of World Tuberculosis Day. World Tuberculosis Day falls on the 24th of March. This year’s theme is “Rally to eliminate Tuberculosis.”

A special discussion was held on the current trends in the health sector in view of Tuberculosis Day. Speaking on this occasion Dr. Palitha Mahipala said that continued treatment for six months can permanently cure tuberculosis.

As such he pointed out that persons infected with tuberculosis and affected with HIV should not be marginalized from society. The intention of the World Health Organization is to wipe out tuberculosis from the world by the year 2030. Before that, he said their aim was to eliminate the disease from Sri Lanka. A group including high officials involved in the health service joined in this discussion.