IDPs 'suffering from eye diseases'

--BBC--

	The UN has been asking for more access to the IDP camps

The health ministry in Sri Lanka says that over 4000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Vavuniya camps are suffering from eye diseases.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr. Palitha Maheepala told BBC Sandeshaya that there seems to be an increase in eye diseases among the Internally displaced in camps.

"We have found that IDPs are suffering from bad eye sight, cataract and eye sore. The ministry is taking special measures to treat and advise the IDPs," he said.

Those who are suffering from serious eye diseases will be admitted to Vavuniya hospital, according to the official.

Dr. Maheepala added that the ministry is planning to send a group of 30 eye specialists to the camps every two weeks.

Nearly 300,000 IDPs are housed in the north after the war between Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan army that ended on 19 May.