Australian Govt. donates Rs. 952 million worth of essential respirators

A stock of essential medical equipment including oxygen cylinders was handed over to the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi yesterday under the coordination of UNICEF with the financial assistance of the Government of Australia to strengthen the COVID control program in the country. 

The equipment was symbolically donated by UNICEF Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Emma Brigham to the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the Australian High Commissioner David Holly and UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy were also present. 

The Health Ministry said 291 oxygen cylinders, 342 oxygen regulators, 2,490 oxygen masks and 20 fire extinguishers worth Rs. 952 million were donated at the event. 

These equipment are to be provided to the hospitals and treatment centers in the Western Province which provide COVID treatment services. 

Minister Wanniarachchi said the donation would help strengthen the COVID-19 medical services in Sri Lanka and thanked the Government of Australia and the Government of Sri Lanka for donating the equipment. 

On behalf of the Government, the Minister of Health expressed her sincere gratitude to UNICEF for coordinating the donation to Sri Lanka. 

Ministry of Health Additional Secretary Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga, Western Province Director Health Services Dr. Dhammika Jayalath and a delegation from UNICEF were also present on the occasion.