Dialog Axiata gifts fully-functional ICU to Homagama Base Hospital

Plaque reveal during the inauguration ceremony of the fully-functional ICU complex at the Homagama Base Hospital. From left: Bamunuarachchi Foundation Chairman B.A. Mahipala, Private Secretary to the Health Minister Kanchana Jayaratne (partially covered), Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Dialog Axiata Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe, Ministry of Health Additional Secretary, Medical Services Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Homagama Base Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Janitha Hettiarachchi

Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog), Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, on the request of the Ministry of Health, gifted a fully-functional 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to the Homagama Base Hospital. This initiative forms a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empower the national healthcare efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, Dialog pledged a sum of Rs. 200 million towards the upliftment of critical health infrastructure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The hallmark pledge by Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider enabled the commissioning of a 10-bed ICU at the Negombo Hospital as the first step. It also enabled high-speed PCR testing at the Bandaranaike International Airport, drastically reducing testing and reporting time from eight hours to approximately 2.5 hours.

The fully-functional ICU complex at Homagama Base Hospital is equipped with a negative pressure unit that has been specially designed to effectively handle infectious diseases such as the coronavirus and comes complete with state-of-the-art ICU equipment advancing the hospital’s capability to serve critical patients. This initiative aims to lessen the pressure on medical staff treating patients with acute illnesses, and add greater value to the training of doctors in intensive care whilst also acting as a catalyst to improve healthcare systems in the district.

Commenting on this occasion, Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi stated, “Dialog Axiata, which has contributed immensely towards the upliftment of the health sector, is a company with a big heart. At the beginning of the pandemic, when we reached out to Dialog to support us with our national efforts towards mitigating COVID-19, Dialog pledged Rs. 200 million right away to uplift the country’s critical health infrastructure. This pledge facilitated a fully-fledged 10-bed ICU at the Negombo General Hospital and also a Hi-Speed robotic PCR testing at Bandaranaike International Airport. The ICU development at Homagama Base Hospital is the latest initiative that has come to fruition as a result of all these efforts for which we, as Sri Lankans, as a nation, are immensely grateful for.”

Commenting, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said, “One of the shortfalls that the Homagama Base Hospital, which treats many people, has had for a long time was an established ICU. We are proud to witness the launch of this fully-fledged ICU at the Homagama Base Hospital, complete with all the latest, cutting-edge equipment required for critical care. On behalf of the Government, I would like to express our gratitude towards Dialog Axiata, for taking the initiative and making this a possibility.”

Commenting, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe said, “Amidst a year of unprecedented crises, we appreciate the opportunity to establish a fully functional 10-bed ICU at the Homagama Base Hospital as part of our commitment towards supporting the national efforts aimed at combating COVID-19. While we continue to help our communities stay connected, adapt, and get through this pandemic with our inclusive service offerings, this initiative will strengthen our nation’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies. We are thankful to our customers for their loyalty and the confidence placed on Dialog, enabling us help our country during these challenging times.”

Explanations underway of the functionality of the fully-functional ICU developed by Dialog Axiata. From left:  Private Secretary to the Health Minister Kanchana Jayaratne (partially covered), Homagama Base Hospital Consultant Anaesthetist Dr. Pandula Hanangala Arachchi, Dialog Axiata Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe, Ministry of Health Additional Secretary, Medical Services Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Homagama Base Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Janitha Hettiarachchi, Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi