Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe carried out an inspection visit to the flood-affected Chilaw District General Hospital, on the instructions of Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The visit focused on restoring all treatment services in stages, following disruptions caused by flooding during the recent disaster.
The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio ISOMATA, and senior members of the Japanese emergency disaster medical team currently in the country also joined the visit to review urgent medical requirements and support operations.
During the inspection, the team visited all critical sections of the hospital, including the outpatient department, clinics, wards, pharmacy, emergency treatment unit, kitchen, medical stores, surgical complex, blood bank, radiology units including X-ray and CT, doctors’ quarters and nursing hostel facilities.
Following the observations, Dr. Jasinghe held discussions with specialists, doctors and staff on the action plan to resume services step by step. The need to relocate high-value medical equipment to upper floors to minimise damage during future floods was highlighted.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a structured mechanism to manage donations offered by organisations and well-wishers. In addition, the meeting focused on ensuring new construction meets actual hospital needs and is designed with disaster preparedness in mind.
Chilaw District Hospital, located on seven and a half acres within the town, is the main state hospital in Puttalam District and functions under the direct supervision of the central government. The hospital serves a large population with a staff of nearly 1,000 and a bed capacity exceeding 645. (Newswire)
