As part of the government’s initiative to ensure citizens’ right to high-quality healthcare with dignity and pride, the newly modernized Outpatient Department (OPD) and Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) complex at the Ittapana District Hospital was officially vested in the public yesterday (28).
The facility was inaugurated by the Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The new complex was constructed on the site of the hospital’s former male ward at a cost of Rs. 50 million, addressing a long-standing priority for the institution. Additionally, a further Rs. 20 million has been allocated for upcoming development projects, including: A new mortuary, A dental surgery unit, A clinical unit, A clinical waste management unit
“Ittapana District Hospital opens new OPD and Emergency Treatment Unit to the Public”
During the ceremony, District Medical Officer Dr. W.D.G.S. Wijesekera briefed the attendees on the current operations of the hospital, which serves approximately 20,000 people in the area, and detailed ongoing efforts to improve human and physical resources.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized that the new facilities were made possible through Rs. 63.5 million in financial provisions allocated by the government last year.
The government is restarting halted development projects and recruiting essential staff, including doctors and nurses, to ensure optimum service.
Plans are underway to digitalize the health service and provide comprehensive training across all health professions to increase job satisfaction.
The government has allocated Rs. 220 billion this year for salary increases and intends to meet the vehicle requirements of state officials within the year.
Rs. 350 million has been set aside specifically for the development of Provincial Council hospitals in the Kalutara District.
Out of 78,000 applicants, 1,900 Health Service Assistants will be recruited soon, filling approximately 65% of existing vacancies. Promotions for hospital attendants are also being processed.
The Minister stressed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major challenge and confirmed that the government is prioritizing the development of primary healthcare services.
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, including Ven. Kundasale Seevali Thero, as well as Kalutara District Members of Parliament Dhanushka Ramanayake (Chief Organizer for Agalawatta) and Sanjeewa Ranasinghe (Chief Organizer for Matugama).
Other high-ranking officials present included Western Province Health Director Dr. Dhammika Jayalath, Kalutara District Health Director Dr. Naveen de Zoysa, and various medical and administrative staff from the regional health office and the Ittapana District Hospital.
