The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced that a special joint initiative has been initiated to improve the health status of fishermen who work continuously at sea on multi-day fishing vessels for long periods of time and protect them from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Currently, non-communicable diseases are spreading rapidly among the general public in Sri Lanka, and health reports have revealed that a significant proportion of them could  be fishermen. The Ministry of Fisheries has taken this step, especially considering the inconvenience of seeking treatment in case of an emergency while working at sea and the difficulties in rescuing them.

Some of the key features implemented under this new program are:

Regular medical examinations and data records: It is mandatory for every fisher to undergo a formal medical examination before leaving for work. It is planned to provide a personal health record book containing their health data, which will enable the fisherman to maintain records of his medical history.

Healthy food and cancer prevention advice: Fishermen will be given special guidelines on healthy food and drinks to be carried on fishing vessels and on how to avoid carcinogenic substances.

On-board health screening: Fishermen will be provided with knowledge on how to check high blood pressure and blood sugar levels on the fishing vessel itself, and the necessary equipment will be provided to the health medical corps.

Strengthening First Aid Training: Steps are being taken to further update the existing first aid training programs conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy by adding new equipment and technology.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Sri Lanka Navy Medical Corps, the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Health and the Coast Guard are jointly implementing this program.

Explaining this, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr. Susantha Kahawatte, emphasized:

“The primary objective of this programme is to ensure that every fisherman is in good health before setting out to sea. Through this initiative, we aim to minimise the risk of sudden illnesses while at sea, safeguard the lives of fishermen, and enhance their occupational safety to the highest possible level.”