The need of the hour is a disciplined society, as such society will enable effective functioning of law and order in a country. However, it is unfortunate to note that two groups of elite professionals are fighting over a ten by ten room while keeping patients hostage, Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva said at the first National Trauma Conference held yesterday in Colombo.

"We need to tackle all forms of physical and mental injuries in order to deliver an effective healthcare service. Peace is the key factor in minimising physical injuries and terrorism should be eradicated to achieve peace," he said.

While appreciating the efforts taken by the Trauma Secretariat to create an awareness regarding trauma prevention and related matters during the last one year, the Minister said that an arm to educate the drivers is needed to reduce the number of traffic injuries and deaths. Annually over 2,000 road traffic related deaths are reported where a large number require treatment for road accidents. "This is a high cost to the government and the society", he said.

A recent study has revealed injury to be the leading contributor to burden of disease in Sri Lanka. The percentage is 14.5 and road traffic accidents are a leading contributor to injury burden in the country. Traumatic injuries have remained the leading cause of hospitalization with an increase proportionate morbidity each year.

The Trauma Secretariat is a formal body set up last year with the blessings of international non government organizations and their support to deal with trauma and related issues.