A four-storey residential complex for 48 nursing staff will be constructed at the Vavuniya District General Hospital at a cost of Rs. 170.04 million.
The foundation stone for the project was laid Thursday (17) under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with the participation of local political leaders.
The project is aimed at addressing the longstanding shortage of residential facilities for nursing staff at the hospital. Construction is scheduled to be completed by June 2027.
Jayatissa said the government would provide the maximum possible funding for the development of infrastructure for the public.
He said two health projects worth around Rs. 1.5 billion were launched yesterday in the Mannar and Mullaitivu districts, with funding from the Indian government and the government, while projects worth around Rs. 1 billion are scheduled to be launched or opened over the next three days.
He said the Vavuniya nursing quarters project, funded through the Northern Provincial Council, was among the projects being implemented as part of the programme.
The minister also said Rs. 235 million is expected to be allocated to commence further work on the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Treatment Unit.
He said 300 health assistants would be appointed to the Northern Province tomorrow, which he said would help address a significant existing issue.
Jayatissa further said arrangements were being made to provide new equipment to hospitals and that funds would be allocated for this purpose in the next budget. He also urged hospitals to make immediate requests for equipment that is nearing the end of its service life.
Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan also addressed the ceremony.
The project is being implemented using Northern Provincial Council funds under a programme to develop physical resources in the health sector, with guidance from the Health and Mass Media Ministry and the Northern Province governor. (Newswire)