Medical Help International USA donations reach Rs. 42 b

From left: MHI SL Secretary Dilini De Silva, Medical Help International USA Dr. Aloka Amarakone, MHI USA Executive Director/Founder Ayusha Amarakone, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, MHI USA Director of Operations and Communications Paddy Dassanayake, Canada Region Coordinator Gemina Perera 

Medical Help International (MHI) is registered as an International NGO( INGO ) in the USA with registered charity status. This humanitarian aid organisation is headed by Executive Director/Founder Ayusha Amarakone along with Director of Operations and Communications Paddy Dassanayake, commenced services around the globe especially extending medical services to Sri Lanka since covid-19.  MHI USA continuously provides  emergency medicines and other medical supplies and equipment as donations from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, UAE, India and Malaysia.

At present, the MHI – USA Team is in Sri Lanka and made courtesy calls to President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung and the entire team at the Ministry of Health.  Also they spared time to visit a few Hospitals in Sri Lanka.  Since April 2022 to date, MHI USA has donated emergency medicines and other medical supplies collaborating with other overseas international Humanitarian organisations, corporate and individual donors.

Total value of medical donations has reached $ 128.0 million as of date (approx: Rs. 42.0 billion). Besides,  MHI USA was able to donate a 1000KVA generator to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, worth Rs. 41.0 million,  which is a strong life saving supportive instrument to the entire Southern province including a few other areas covering Monaragala district as well. 

Medical Help International USA has also partnered with Australia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team (AUSLMAT) in many of the healthcare projects helping SL large scaled donations. AUSLMAT President Dr. Erosha Premaratne is the Australia and Pacific Coordinator of MHI - USA.

The donations to-date are mainly towards Oncology, Cardiology,  Antibiotics, Dialysis Solutions, IV Antibiotics Blood Bags and High end Medical Equipments. 

MHI – USA Executive Director/Founder Ayusha Amarakone, a legally registered international humanitarian organisation, emphasised the importance of the Government’s support regarding the need for medicine and medical consumable donations as it’s crucial for MHI to reach out to potential donors effectively. In addition to managing all logistical aspects of international humanitarian contributions through their partners with the Ministry of Health, MHI collaborates with donors to purchase essential medicines directly. Transport partners, including Sri Lankan Airlines, Expo Lanka, and EFL, generously facilitate air and sea cargo. Amarakone highlighted that all donated medicines that arrive into the country via MHI,  are either FDA-approved or NMRA-approved with all necessary documentation submitted prior to purchase and importation. MHI closely works with SLMA, GMOA, and other intercollegiate groups to reduce miscommunication and increase the transparency of these donations. Besides the above, MHI also arranges medical missions and assists with healthcare capital, infrastructure, and equipment projects. MHI donated a power generator to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital as the backup energy for the entire southern province and covering a few districts in the uva province. 

MHI invites any individual or organisations who are willing to share their vision to make a difference in the lives of those in need through donations or spreading awareness, sharing knowledge, or your skills. Your support will be invaluable in helping us achieve our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Also MHI - USA Director of Operations and Communications Paddy Dassanayak commented her service towards the country is the most selfless act she could get involved in and her mission is to make the biggest difference possible to help the needy human beings.

The Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and Minister of Health and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, all commended and praised  the services and the donations extended so far which helped strengthen Health Services of the Country in these challenging times.