TV Derana in its CSR initiative Manusath Derana today launched the Little Hearts Telethon campaign in order to raise funds to build a Cardiac and Critical Care Complex at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

The live program was started at 8am and will continue until 1.30pm.

Thousands of children with heart diseases and critical illnesses in Sri Lanka do not have timely access to treatment.

Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) is the only tertiary care referral centre for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and critical illnesses in the country.

The hospital’s exceptional medical staff and treatment opportunities make this institution the beacon of hope to families nationwide. However, with its current limited capacity, it has been struggling to provide timely care to all children in need. 

Thousands of our children are left to wait for treatment for months and even years on end. These children are fighting against time. Each day without treatment lessens their chances of recovery and many little hearts lose the battle.

The building will feature cardiac operating theatres and it will increase the number of cardiac ICU beds from 18 to 40, include over 100 medical and neonatal intensive care beds, as well as the areas for advanced cardiac investigations and staff training facilities to provide optimum care for all children.

According to Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, the estimated cost of this project is Rs. 2bn.

Those who wish to donate Rs.100 per month to Little Hearts Fund via Dialog for the Cardiac Care Unit can type REGLH and send to 7710.