United States supports new hospital for Akkarayankulam in Kilinochchi District

Saturday, 11 October 2014 00:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Andrew C. Mann is planning to join Dr. P. Sathiyalingan, Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Northern Provincial Council, for a personal tour of the Akkaryankulam Divisional Hospital today, 11 October. The tour will be guided by hospital Director Dr. Chandrika Basnayake.

On Sunday, 12 October, Chargé d’Affaires Mann will join President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the formal opening ceremonies. The US Embassy supported new construction and equipment for the hospital with approximately Rs. 77 million in assistance. This hospital in Akkarayankulam is one of the nine hospitals in the Northern Province the United States has supported through nearly Rs. 500 million in partnership with the Sri Lankan Government. “We believe these hospital projects help the Health Minister and the Northern Provincial Council provide quality healthcare for tens of thousands of people living in neighbouring communities,” said Chargé d’Affaires Mann. “We are committed to help improve the lives of people in these former conflict areas.” The facility consists of two separate buildings, one building with 24 beds and male and female medical wards, and the other consists of a 12-bed maternity ward with a delivery room and a 12-bed paediatric ward. US support also helped refurbish the Operation Theatre and dispensary, provided basic furniture and air conditioners throughout the hospital, and upgraded the water sanitation system. The facility will also offer preventative health services and house public health information offices affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Aside from these nine hospitals in the Northern Province, the US Embassy has also completed rainwater storage systems at schools and hospitals in Mannar and Vavuniya. In addition, the US Embassy is commencing construction of twelve schools in the Eastern Province with an additional eight more planned.