Question

Discussion Questions for Case 1: Saving Mothers’ Lives in Sri Lanka1. What are the cultural and historical features of Sri Lanka that contributed to the success of the program?

Answer 1

Sri Lanka has halved maternal deaths (relative to the number of live births) at least every 12 years since 1935. This has meant a decline in the maternal mortality ratio from between 500 and 600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 1950 to 60 per 100,000 today.

Sri Lanka has spent less on health - and achieved far more - than most of the countries at similar income levels. In India, for example, the maternal mortality ratio is more than 400 per 100,000 live births, and spending on health constitutes over 5 percent of GNP. In Sri Lanka, the ratio is less than one-quarter of that, and the country spends only 3 percent of GNP on health.

Sri Lanka has a long history of organized education, the beginnings of which can be traced back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC.Traditionally, the general population had free access to learning also to women from ancient times their education was always ensured. Buddhist temples served as centers of education to the general population, while the larger monasteries developed into renowned and influential centers for religious as well as secular learning.

Services were provided to ensure the well being of vulnerable groups such as mothers, children and the aged, even during the reign of ancient kings.But When some degree of self government was established in 1931, expansion of both the curative and preventive health services in the country was implemented. The number of health units increased from eight in 1931 to 572 in 1937. Training of midwives commenced thereafter.