The Minister of Health and Mass Media states that he prioritized and took steps to activate the dormant and scattered Hospital Development Committees in the country.
The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, made these remarks while attending a recent ceremony at the Elpitiya Base Hospital. The ceremony involved the donation of two modern machines valued at Rupees 1,550,000 (fifteen lakhs fifty thousand) to the hospital’s Physiotherapy Unit, made possible by the full contribution of the Hospital Development Committee, and the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of a Rs. 1.2 million building for the Hospital Police.
“Elpitiya Base Hospital receives new modern equipment worth Rs. 1,550,000”
Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that the operation of active and strong Hospital Development Committees within the health sector is essential. He stated that the first task he undertook after assuming duties at the Ministry of Health was the formalization of the Hospital Development Committees. He further explained that he took steps to activate the dormant and scattered Hospital Development Committees to suit each hospital, ranging from the National Hospital down to Primary Healthcare Units.
He noted that as a result of focusing on the required number and composition of the Hospital Development Committee members based on the hospital’s classification, active Hospital Development Committees have now been established in a significant number of hospitals.
The Minister of Health and Mass Media also stated that he does not follow a “politics of promises.” He added that the government is taking steps to develop hospitals across the entire island, including the Southern Province, through a systematic and planned approach, and that the hospital system in the Southern Province will also be strengthened through this programme.
The Hospital Development Committee facilitated the donation of a Stimulation machine, an Ultrasound machine, and a wheelchair to the hospital, using Rupees 1,550,000 earned through a lottery draw. The building for which the foundation stone was laid for the Hospital Police was also a vital necessity for the hospital.
The Minister of Health and Mass Media also inspected the treatment services, including the Emergency Treatment Unit and the laboratory. Following the inspection, he held a special discussion in the hospital auditorium with the hospital administration and staff regarding patient treatment services, development projects, future priorities, and staff issues.
It was noted by the members of the Hospital Development Committee that this was the first time in recent history that a Cabinet Minister had visited the Elpitiya Base Hospital.
The event was attended by Galle District Parliamentarians Nishantha Perera and T.K. Jayasundara, Chairman of the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Sanath Priyantha Sumanasiri, Southern Province Director of Health Services Dr. N.G.S. Panditharatne, Galle District Director of Health Services Dr. Prasad Ranaweera, Medical Superintendent of Elpitiya Base Hospital Dr. Kanjitha Samaratne, former Medical Superintendent Dr. Muditha Amarasinghe, Chairman of the Hospital Development Committee Vidanarachchi Keerthiratna, along with specialist doctors, doctors, and nursing staff.
