President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said the unity government's Minister of Health is allowed to operate freely, unlike the Health Minister of the previous government.

President Sirisena, recalling the challenges he faced as the then Minister of Health in adopting the Medicinal Drug Act as well as in the process of imposing laws on Tobacco and Cigarettes, said he did not enjoy the privilege of working in a free environment. 

He also added that all ministers of the current government enjoy the same freedom, as no one interferes with their work.

The President described the current government as one that identifies the pulse of the underprivileged sections of the society,

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Sirisena said economic plans of the government had been prepared in a manner that would bring more benefits to the less privileged. 

"Such measures will uplift their living standards," the President added. 

Sirisena arrived in Parliament yesterday while the Debate on the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine was underway. 

While recognising the progress made by ministries, President Sirisena said the government had paid special attention to safeguard the free health service of the country.

"Today, the Minister of Health has been given the opportunity to work freely on free health service of the country," he said, recalling the challenges he faced as the then Minister of Health in adopting the Medicinal Drug Act as well as in the process of imposing laws on Tobacco and Cigarettes.

Commenting on the progress made by the health sector under the current government. Sirisena said all expenses of cancer patients are now borne by the state.

He also said the construction of the National Nephrology Specialized Hospital is set to commence on December 06.