Foundation stone to be laid for national kidney hospital in Polonnaruwa

The foundation stone for the first kidney hospital in South Asia, to be built in Polonnaruwa, will be laid during the first week of December.

The hospital will be constructed following a proposal of President Maithripala Sirisena. The project will be implemented by China. The hospital will be designated the National Nephrology Special Hospital. It will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.2 billion.

The 200-bed hospital will be equipped with all modern medical equipment to treat kidney disease. A 100-bed dialysis unit will also be established within the hospital. Kidney transplants, laboratory services and health advisory services for kidney patients will also be conducted within the new hospital.

The Director of the Polonnaruwa District Hospital Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara told state-run TV that the Government and China launched the hospital project following a request by President Sirisena. The project is being fully funded by the Chinese Government.

Dr. Indika Kumara said the hospital would be a great asset and a gift to the people of Sri Lanka. He said it was expected that all necessary facilities for kidney patients could be provided through the hospital by 2020.