Hemas Ambulatory Surgical Care: Sri Lanka’s first-ever outpatient service launched

Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Managing Director Dr. Lakith Pieris

Hemas Capitals Hospitals Director General Manager Dr. Pradeep Edwards

Alexandra Hospitals Sri Lankan consultant surgeon Dr. Sujith Wijerathne

From left: Hemas Hospitals Surgicals Group Manager Dr. Dilshan Fernando, Hemas Capitals Hospitals Director General Dr. Pradeep Edward, Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Managing Director Dr. Lakith Pieris, Alexandra Hospitals Singapore Corporate Planning Matters Head Low Hsien Chih, Alexandra Hospital Singapore General Surgery Head and Consultant Dr. Sujith Wijerathne – Pix by Lasantha Kumara

By Divya Thotawatte 

In an effort to transform the local healthcare industry to be more cost-effective, Hemas Hospitals recently launched Hemas Ambulatory Surgical Care, an initiative that allows patients to undergo advanced surgeries without overnight hospitalisation.

Ambulatory care provides surgery and medical care on an outpatient basis, meaning patients would be allowed to return home the same day after the surgery and proceed with the remaining treatments from home. Ambulatory Surgical Care by Hemas Hospitals is the first-ever outpatient service in Sri Lanka. 

Hemas Ambulatory Surgical Care is to be provided through a technical collaboration with Alexandra Hospitals in Singapore, under the National University Health System, a global leader in ‘minimally invasive surgeries’ (MIS) and pain management. An MoU was signed between the two parties at the launch which highlighted the primary focus of the initiative, creating a patient-centric approach to surgical procedures where affordability, convenience and comfort for patients are the primary objectives.

Speaking at the event, Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Managing Director Dr. Lakith Pieris said, “This facility will revolutionise the delivery of surgical care as it offers more convenience and patient-centred experience. As this initiative would allow patients to undergo certain surgeries and procedures without the need for overnight hospitalisation, Hemas Hospitals becomes the most cost-effective hospital in Sri Lanka with regard to surgeries and the facilities provided.”

Hemas Ambulatory Surgical Care promises to allow patients to access advanced surgeries at a cost that is 30% less than traditional in-patient procedures, resulting in cost-effectiveness and increased affordability for patients, without compromising on the delivery of top-tier care. 

The outpatient surgical procedures will be done in a specialised centre dedicated for such services. “By dedicating a specialised centre for ambulatory services, we create an environment catered to the requirements of outpatient procedures. We can streamline the patient journey and work on efficient scheduling. This would not only enhance patient satisfaction, but also allow us to serve a larger number of patients, reducing the burden on our hospitals’ inpatient services,” Pieris explained. 

The Hemas Ambulatory Care Surgical Centre would enable patients to undergo a wide range of surgical procedures from minor surgeries to advanced interventions. Surgeries performed by the centre would be in strict adherence to the Australian Council for Health Standards International guidelines, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards. Furthermore, ensuring that patients benefit from cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, the facility will also integrate the latest techniques and employ state-of-the-art surgical instruments and equipment.

The partnership between Hemas Hospitals and Alexandra Hospitals thus becomes significant as it allows for exceptional care and access to the latest surgical innovations, at affordable price points. Additionally, the MIS unit of Alexandra Hospitals is under the leadership of distinguished Sri Lankan consultant surgeon, Dr. Sujith Wijerathne. 

Speaking on the partnership and the importance of ambulatory care, Wijerathne said, “This project is important because healthcare is costly and resources are also costly and limited. As we continue to offer these ambulatory services, surgeons will become more familiar with it and become experts at safe and effective outpatient services, delivering high-quality care. This would benefit surgeons, hospitals and patients.

As we streamline this process, we can reduce the amount of resources spent on surgeries, as patients are able to leave the hospital after the surgery through ambulatory care. This would also save additional hospital costs for patients.” 

Hemas Capitals Hospitals Director General Manager Dr. Pradeep Edwards noted that the idea for this initiative was brought forward by Dr. Pieris who identified the need for affordable healthcare in Sri Lanka. 

“The footing-stone for this initiative started when we launched the homecare project in January where patients were treated at home. The objective was to reduce the length of hospital stay and bring equal care to the patients’ doorsteps. Now, we are taking the step to the next level where the most complicated thing for a patient,  surgery, is made more affordable. After the one-day surgery, patients could be discharged and the Hemas Hospitals home-care team would then take charge of the treatment process.”

The experts added that receiving further treatments from home was beneficial to the patients in terms of recovery, as they are known to have faster and better recovery in the comfort of their homes in familiar surroundings with the assistance of an expert homecare medical team.