Construction of the new four-storey medical ward complex at the District General Hospital in Mullaitivu commenced this afternoon (16) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The project, which is being constructed with assistance from the Government of India to address the current shortage of bed capacity at the District General Hospital, Mullaitivu, is being implemented at a cost of Rs. 600 million, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The new ward complex will be equipped with a range of modern facilities and essential infrastructure, including lifts, air-conditioning systems, emergency power generators, fire protection systems and a piped medical gas supply system.
The main objectives of the project are to reduce premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCD) and significantly increase the rate of screening among people over 35 years of age. The project will also help reduce the need to refer patients to other hospitals.
After unveiling the commemorative plaque to mark the commencement of construction of the new medical ward complex, the President engaged in a cordial conversation with members of the hospital staff, the statement said.
Addressing the ceremony held thereafter, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said:
“Among the district general hospitals in our country, the Mullaitivu District General Hospital has the lowest bed capacity. The responsibility of the Ministry of Health in creating ‘A Thriving Nation and A Beautiful Life’ is to ensure that the people of this country enjoy healthy and healthy lives.
“Accordingly, we are taking steps to provide this hospital with the required buildings and equipment. We will also provide the necessary staff in a systematic manner in accordance with our new recruitment programme. As a tertiary-level hospital, this hospital currently faces a shortage of the specialist medical officers it requires. As a result, the assignment of medical interns is limited.
“Therefore, when assigning specialist doctors returning after completing their overseas training to hospitals, we consider Mullaitivu District General Hospital a priority hospital.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of India, the High Commission of India and the people of India for providing Rs. 600 million in assistance for the construction of this four-storey building, which was urgently required to increase the bed capacity of this hospital.”
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said:
“This special occasion is a clear testament to the enduring nature of the India-Sri Lanka partnership. It also reaffirms India’s commitment to working together with Sri Lanka to realise President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s vision, as the second year of his tenure draws to a close.
“India will continue to remain an unwavering and trusted partner in the welfare, progress and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka. Under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, work on 33 development projects supported by Indian assistance has already commenced and is currently underway in the Eastern Province.
“Within India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ foreign policy, Sri Lanka holds a position of priority. Indeed, the relationship between our two countries extends beyond that of mere neighbours. We can be regarded as civilisational twin siblings, bound by geography, heritage and an unbreakable historical kinship.
“Healthcare cooperation remains a key pillar of our partnership. From the 1990 Suwa Seriya service to medical infrastructure projects across the country, our joint efforts have made a tangible difference to the lives of Sri Lankans.
Governor of the Northern Province Nagalingam Vedanayagam,
“For people who have endured various hardships as a result of armed conflict, access to quality healthcare is not merely a service but a fundamental necessity and a symbol of hope and recovery. It is my hope that this initiative will contribute to rebuilding the trust of the people of the war-affected Mullaitivu District.
“This occasion is not merely about laying the foundation stone for a building; it marks the foundation for a healthier and stronger community and a better future.
“The people of the Northern Province extend their sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the positive and meaningful steps taken by the Government and the President to ensure normalcy in the Northern Province, strengthen public confidence and advance development.
“I greatly appreciate the attention given by the President and the Government to the Northern Province and hope that all development programmes will progress rapidly and equitably, benefiting every community.”
Members of Parliament representing the Mullaitivu District, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, heads of the security forces, officials of the Ministry of Health, officials of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka and others were also present at the occasion.
--PMD--
