Access Group enters healthcare industry, acquires Ninewells Hospital

Pioneering maternity and child health care services provider Ninewells Hospital has been acquired by Access International Ltd., one of the fastest growing conglomerates in Sri Lanka.

With a diversified portfolio of sectors ranging from Engineering and Information Technology to Property and Healthcare, Access International ventures into the Hospital Sector with the aim of ensuring the well being of the community. 

With this acquisition, Ninewells will be steered by its newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and renowned healthcare expert Dr. S. A. K. Gamage, a self-driven and self-reliant contributor to the development of the National Healthcare system of Sri Lanka. Stemming from extensive experience as a Senior Health Administrator who served at several healthcare institutions across the country, Dr. Gamage envisions a holistic approach to sharing his experiences and vast knowledge in order to expand and enhance Ninewells’ commitment towards facilitating services that reach out to a wider community.

Remarking on his recent appointment, Dr. Gamage said, ‘We at Ninewells aspire to be the leading provider of total healthcare services to not just women and children, but the wider community in Sri Lanka by pushing the frontiers of medical technology coupled with unparalleled quality and dedicated services at affordable costs.” 

“Following a career in the state health sector, I look forward to continuing a service dedicated to this industry and contribute immensely to the betterment of Ninewells and the community, by sharing my knowledge on the national health care system,” he added.

Following Dr. Gamage’s appointment, Ninewells Hospital will expand to provide a multitude of services by initiating many operational facilities, such as the opening of a Regional Fertility Consultation Hospital, an expansion of laboratory facilities, the advancement of the Radiology Department with facilities of CT and MRI Scanners, and establishing further, the services of sub specialties such as Eye, ENT and Gastro Intestinal services. 

In addition, Ninewells Hospital will commence its consultation services in neighbouring SAARC countries particularly in the Maldives, whilst developing extensive medical education curriculums with the partnership of recognised medical universities around the world. This is expected to strengthen and enhance the professional development of Medical and Technical Staff members, as well as the improvement of Research & Development activities. 

Accredited with two prestigious National Business Excellence Awards in the Health Care Related Services Sector and awarded by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Ninewells Hospital, since its inception is known for its sensitivity to the needs of the society it operates in and has carried out many CSR projects over the years. The hospital states that it considers the high employment it has created for Sri Lankans as the greatest endeavour of social responsibility and is dedicated to providing free indoor care for around 10% of in-house patients who are financially unable to attain proper medical expertise.

Ninewells Hospital’s stated goal, with Dr. Gamage’s direction, is to become the most sought after Centre of Health Care Excellence in South East Asia for all healthcare needs of Men, Women and Children by 2020.