Tellippalai Base Hospital gets Rs. 70 m worth of medical equipment under reconciliation program

Under reconciliation intervention program of the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, the Tellippalai Base Hospital in Jaffna district was strengthened with modern medical equipment to the value of Rs. 70 million.

Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation Secretary Sivagnanasothy said the base hospital capacity was strengthened in surgery unit, maternal health unit, baby care unit, cancer unit and anaesthesia unit. This will not only benefit the Jaffna district but the entire Northern Province. A large number of patients go to the Southern private hospitals and neighbouring countries such as India to undertake surgery, testing and medical treatment. However, the low income groups who are below the poverty line experience difficulties due to affordability issues and the reconciliation initiatives on capacity building of the base hospital will significantly contribute to improve access to quality health services free of charge.

Under the ministry initiative, the medical equipment such as video laparoscopy, ultrasound scanner, colonoscopy, hysteroscopy, high pressure stream steriliser, electro surgical and patient warming, patient monitor, 630 ATYS system, incubator, warmer, intrusion pump, plus oxymeter and a 300 KVA generator have been provided to the Tellippalai base hospital. This intervention is also intended to help accelerate the resettlement on a fast track basis.

Further, the ministry has also supported in the construction of cancer homes in Tellippalai which will enable cancer patients in the Northern Province to obtain treatment by staying in these homes said Sivagnanasothy.

The equipment was handed over by the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation Secretary and Jaffna District Secretary Vethanayahan. The Medical Specialists and Consultants Director Dr. Thivarhar, including nursing staff participated in the handing over ceremony on 1 February.