More ICU services at KDU Hospital for COVID patients

The John Kotelawala Defense University Hospital (KDU) has taken steps to provide additional intensive care unit (ICU) services to patients suffering from COVID-19 following a spike in the number of cases.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said three ICUs at John Kotelawala Defense University Hospital (KDU) will be set aside for the intensive care of COVID patients and 24 ICU beds and 12 High Dependency Beds (HDU beds) will be set up in these units for all including Hi-flow oxygen. 

Minister Wanniarachchi paid a special visit to the John Kotelawala Defense University Hospital last week to see the progress of new initiatives.

During the special discussion held after the visit, the Minister instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and the Director General of Health Services to expedite the deployment of 30 doctors, 80 nurses and 25 junior staff members required to maintain this Intensive Care Unit.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and the Director General of Health Services were instructed to expedite the provision of medical equipment and medicines to strengthen the COVID care services and to provide safe accommodation and transport facilities for the medical staff coming to work in these Intensive Care Units.  The Ministry of Health also said that the Ministry of Health has taken steps to expand intensive care services and increase the capacity of beds in hospitals and COVID treatment centres countrywide under the special program to strengthen COVID treatment services.

Ministry of Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, John Kotelawala Defense University Hospital Executive Director Dr. Jayan Mendis, Medical Services Director General Dr. Brigadier Saman Tilak and others were present during the visit.