Health Ministry Secretary Inspects Polonnaruwa National Kidney Hospital

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, inspected the current situation at the Polonnaruwa China–Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology (Kidney Disease) Specialised Hospital today (1).

The Ministry Secretary said that the two wards damaged in the explosion could be brought back into operation within the next two days following minor repairs, while the operating theatre complex and an intensive care unit could also be recommenced as soon as possible.

During the inspection, Dr. Jasinghe directly assessed the current condition of the kitchen damaged in the explosion that occurred at the hospital, as well as the nearby male and female ward complexes, the main operating theatre and the Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which were also affected by the incident.

Following the inspection, a discussion was held with the hospital director and members of the hospital staff, including specialist doctors, doctors and nurses.

Attention was given to carrying out minor repair work promptly and exploring the possibility of bringing the male and female ward complexes back into service for patient care. Necessary instructions were also provided. Instructions were further given to take steps to recommence operating theatre services as soon as possible.

Speaking during the inspection, Health Ministry Secretary Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that several technical teams were continuing investigations and related work concerning the explosion at the hospital.

He said that, following discussions recently held by the Minister of Health and Mass Media with the Chinese Ambassador and other officials, necessary arrangements were being made with the Department of External Resources to obtain assistance under the China Aid emergency relief mechanism.

The Secretary further said that the Chinese side had expressed its willingness to assist not only the Polonnaruwa National Kidney Hospital but also hospitals completed with Chinese assistance, to ensure that they could continue their operations.

He noted that the explosion had caused damage to various locations in the vicinity of the hospital. Accordingly, the relevant responsible institutions were conducting investigations into the condition of electrical circuits and medical gas systems, while repairs that could be carried out by the hospital itself were also being undertaken.

He added that some repairs required additional technical assistance and that contracted institutions were also carrying out work related to those repairs.

The Secretary said blood transfusion services had been restored as early as the day following the incident. However, the admission of inpatients to the hospital has not yet resumed.

He said two of the wards could potentially be reopened within the next two days after carrying out minor repairs. He also stated that there was potential to recommence operations at the operating theatre complex and an intensive care unit.

The Secretary further said that it would be possible to admit patients to several wards, continue dialysis services without interruption, and recommence major services such as surgical procedures. He added that investigations, including those being conducted by the Ministry of Health, would continue.

Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe also provided the necessary instructions to ensure the continuity of hospital services while managing the challenges currently being faced.

Deputy Directors General of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. S. Sridharan and Dr. H. M. Arjuna Thilakaratne, Additional Secretary for Engineering Services Salinda Bandara, Director of the Polonnaruwa Kidney Hospital Dilka Saranasinghe, Director of the Polonnaruwa Hospital Upul Karunaratne, and specialist doctors, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff were also present.