Sri Lanka and Russia discuss healthcare tech and AI integration

Special discussions regarding the development of primary healthcare in Sri Lanka and the empowerment of the health sector with modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), took place between the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Murashko, and the Minister of Health and Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa. The Ministry of Health stated that the Russian Minister and a delegation, currently on a three-day official visit, participated in this meeting at the ministry yesterday.

The Russian Minister pointed out that his country manufactured medical equipment using AI technology for primary healthcare services. He explained a modern technical system developed by Russia to identify and diagnose 42 diseases affecting people in agricultural and urban areas. Mikhail Murashko emphasised that Russia remains ready to provide friendly support to improve the local health system and to overcome existing issues, including the energy crisis.

The Russian government intends to strengthen pharmaceutical production and the supply chain between the two countries, while also providing further medical education for Sri Lankan doctors. A proposal was made to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the health ministries of both nations in the future. Mikhail Murashko extended an official invitation to Nalinda Jayatissa and officials to study the healthcare system and modern technical medical equipment in Russia.

Nalinda Jayatissa expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the necessity of adapting modern technology when strengthening the primary healthcare service of the country. Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan, Health Secretary Anil Jasinghe, and Director General of Health Services Asela Gunawardena were among the high-ranking officials present at the discussion.