Construction Begins for New Four-Storey Medical Ward Complex at Mullaitivu District General Hospital Under President’s Patronage

written by NHL Werasinghe Thu Sep 17, 8:00 am Source

The construction of a new four-storey medical ward complex at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital commenced yesterday afternoon (16) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The LKR 600 million project, funded by the Government of India, aims to alleviate overcrowding at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital. The new ward complex will feature modern facilities and essential infrastructure, including elevators, air conditioning systems, emergency generators, fire protection systems, and a piped medical gas supply system.

A primary objective of this project is to reduce premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and significantly increase screening rates for individuals over 35 years of age, thereby minimizing patient transfers to other hospitals.

President Dissanayake unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the commencement of construction and engaged in a cordial discussion with the hospital staff.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated:

“Among the district general hospitals in our country, the Mullaitivu District General Hospital has the lowest bed capacity. In creating a ‘Rich Country – A Beautiful Life’, ensuring a healthy life for the citizens is the responsibility of the Health Ministry. Accordingly, steps are being taken to provide the necessary building facilities and equipment to this hospital. We will also systematically fulfill the required staff requirements through new recruitments.

As a tertiary care hospital, there is a shortage of medical specialists, which limits the assignment of intern doctors. Therefore, when posting medical specialists returning from overseas training, we will prioritize the Mullaitivu Hospital. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of India, the Indian High Commission, and the people of India for providing a grant of LKR 600 million to construct this four-storey building, which fulfills a critical need to expand bed capacity.”

The event was attended by Mullaitivu District Members of Parliament, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, heads of the security forces, Health Ministry officials, representatives from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, as well as the hospital administration and staff.