The private healthcare sector in Sri Lanka, a country with a high rate of elderly persons, has shown high growth and that the space in government hospitals is inadequate, says the internationally recognized statistical rating organization, Fitch Ratings.

According to Fitch Ratings, currently around 09 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population is 65 years or more and that this number could double by the year 2030.

It also states that the number who could pay for health facilities in Sri Lanka is fast growing.

Accordingly, 45 per cent of the bed facilities within the private healthcare sector are with five prominent private hospitals and they are continuing to invest in further widening these facilities.

However, Fitch Ratings adds that the dearth of skilled professionals is an issue faced by this sector.

There is an increase in non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka and this has been one of the reasons for the growth of the healthcare sector.