NTB supports Colombo South Teaching Hospital – Kalubowila with portable ventilator

Official handing over of the portable ventilator to Colombo South Teaching Hospital Acting Director Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe by Nations Trust Bank Director/CEO Priyantha Talwatte in the presence of senior officials representing the bank and the hospital

Nations Trust Bank initiated the donation of a portable ventilator to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital (Kalubowila) in its efforts contribute towards the nation’s current requirements to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The medical equipment was handed over to Kalubowila Hospital Acting Director Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe recently in the presence of Nations Trust Bank Director/CEO Priyantha Talwatte, Group Company Secretary Theja Silva and Chief Marketing Officer Sanjaya Senarath.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to provide support to our community as and when called upon. When the Colombo South Teaching Hospital – Kalubowila had a dire requirement of a portable ventilator to effectively treat COVID-19 patients, the bank gladly step in to play our corporate social responsibility role. 

“On behalf of all Nations Trust Bank stakeholders, I take this opportunity to thank Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe and his staff at Colombo South Teaching Hospital by extending our utmost gratitude to all the frontline healthcare workers who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all Sri Lankans during this pandemic,” said Talwatte.

The bank continues to actively support the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As the first wave hit the country in 2020, Nations Trust Bank donated 4,500 medical scrub suits to healthcare workers and provided ration packs to low-income communities around its locality. Further, in its commitment towards the cause, the Bank introduced several strategic initiatives to support the pandemic hit SME sector and in turn, the revival of the national economy. 

Transport ventilators also known as portable ventilators have been identified by medical researchers to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); a common condition experienced by many COVID-19 patients. This machine is often used while moving a critical patient with breathing issues to control the patient’s peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and breathing rate, while keeping a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).

Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe expressed his appreciation towards the donation from the Bank. “With the surge of COVID patients coming into our hospital for treatment, transport ventilators have become one of the most essential medical equipment in managing the transportation of critical COVID patients whether we are moving a patient from a ward to the ICU or transferring them to a different hospital. We’re extremely grateful for this generous donation from Nations Trust Bank as this machine will help us be one step ahead in the fight against the virus.”