In a significant healthcare development for Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, the Mannar District General Hospital is set to undergo a major transformation with the assistance of the Indian government and the Central Government of Sri Lanka. The initiative, confirmed by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa during a special inspection visit, includes infrastructure upgrades, staffing enhancements, and the addition of new emergency medical services.
A key highlight of the announcement is a Rs. 600 million grant from the Indian government to construct a state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Unit. This development is expected to greatly enhance the hospital’s capacity to respond to urgent medical cases and emergencies in the Mannar district and surrounding areas.
Dr. Jayatissa stated that steps are being taken to bring the hospital under the purview of the Central Government, with the consent of the Northern Provincial Council. The move is intended to streamline administration, ensure continuous resource allocation, and better manage the healthcare needs of nearly 200,000 residents in the Mannar District.
The Central Government has already earmarked Rs. 500 million for broader infrastructure development at the hospital. Of this, Rs. 250 million will be disbursed this year, with the remaining Rs. 250 million allocated for next year. These funds are aimed at overhauling outdated facilities and creating a modern hospital environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
Dr. Jayatissa also addressed one of the hospital’s most pressing concerns severe staff shortages. Currently, the hospital suffers from a lack of specialist doctors, general practitioners, nurses, and other essential healthcare personnel. The Minister assured that steps are being taken to rectify this situation by deploying recent medical graduates, doctors trained overseas, and healthcare professionals returning from training programs.
The inspection tour included a comprehensive walkthrough of the hospital’s operations, including the outpatient department (OPD), emergency ward, hemodialysis center, blood bank, pharmacy, medical stores, kitchen, and staff residential quarters. Special attention was given to the location proposed for the new emergency unit funded by India.
The Minister engaged in discussions with doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff to understand their daily challenges and hear suggestions for improvement. Dr. Jayatissa assured them that their issues would be addressed through short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to ensure the hospital’s efficient functioning.
He also emphasized the government’s focus on combating both communicable and non-communicable diseases in the district. Key initiatives include improving child and maternal nutrition, distributing Thriposha (nutritional supplement), and resolving logistical issues related to public health service delivery, particularly transportation for field officers.
The Minister announced that the government is expediting the procurement process for a CT scanner for the Mannar Hospital to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, during the visit, over Rs. 100 million worth of advanced medical equipment was officially handed over to the hospital. These included ECHO machines, neonatal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) units, fluid warmers, phototherapy machines, surgical lasers, ENT examination tools, and more—equipment critical for high-quality patient care.
Currently, Mannar District General Hospital operates with 351 beds and a staff of over 500. The facility includes more than 35 different wards and departments, catering to a diverse range of healthcare needs. With the planned upgrades and increased investment, the hospital is expected to become a fully equipped tertiary care institution in the region.
The inspection visit was attended by several prominent figures, including Member of Parliament M. Jagadeeswaran, Northern Province Director of Health Dr. Saman Pathirana, Mannar District Health Services Director Dr. Dharmarajan Vinodan, and Hospital Director Dr. M.H.M. Azad. Frontline staff, including doctors and nurses, were also present and actively contributed to the discussions.
The initiative marks a significant chapter in the government’s healthcare reform efforts, particularly in historically underserved areas. With financial support from both India and the Sri Lankan government, Mannar is on course to becoming a model for equitable and efficient healthcare delivery in the country.
