A new kidney stone removal treatment centre was declared opened in Mirigama today (12), aiming to provide relief to thousands of patients suffering from kidney stone-related conditions and help reduce the country’s existing surgical waiting list of more than 5,000 patients.

The “Mirigama Kidney Stone Removal Treatment Centre” was inaugurated at the Mirigama Base Hospital premises under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The establishment of the centre fulfills a long-standing healthcare need in the area, which had remained unaddressed for nearly two decades, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. The project was completed within three months through the intervention of the Ministry of Health’s Non-Communicable Diseases Task Force and on the instructions of the Health Minister.

Although more than 30 specialist urology surgical units operate across Sri Lanka, many patients have faced lengthy delays for kidney stone removal procedures due to limited operating theatre availability and restricted access to modern endourological technology.

The new facility is expected to serve as a national-level solution by enabling government specialist urologists from across the country to bring patients to Mirigama and perform advanced procedures using modern medical technology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system contains many underutilized buildings and medical equipment due to a lack of proper planning in construction and procurement.

“While there is enthusiasm to acquire new equipment, we have not always been able to provide services at their maximum capacity. Existing buildings, equipment and human resources must be managed effectively and utilized fully,” the Minister said.

He added that the Mirigama centre demonstrates how meaningful results can be achieved when multiple stakeholders work together towards a common goal.