The Korea Foundation for International Health Services (KOFIH) has announced a donation of $7.2 million (Rs. 360 million) under the “Capacity Building of the Country’s Biomedical Engineering Service” project, aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure and improving medical equipment maintenance services.
As part of the initiative, eight mobile workshops equipped with modern technology and valued at Rs. 160 million, along with tools and equipment worth Rs. 200 million for the Biomedical Engineering Division, were officially handed over to Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, by South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Miyon Lee, and KOFIH Chairman, Dr. Il-Soo Ha. The official donation ceremony took place on March 5 at the Ministry of Health premises.
The Biomedical Engineering Service Capacity Building Project aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s biomedical engineering sector, which plays a vital role in maintaining medical equipment across hospitals in the country. The project includes the renovation of existing facilities and the construction of a second floor to expand biomedical engineering operations. Essential tools and modern mobile service vehicles will be provided to facilitate the repair of medical equipment. Additionally, a cutting-edge digital operating system will be introduced, allowing real-time access to data on medical equipment across hospitals nationwide. Training programs will also be launched to enhance the skills of biomedical engineering staff.
Following the official handover, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa inspected the mobile service vehicles, which are designed to improve the efficiency of medical equipment repair services across Sri Lanka. Speaking at the event, he emphasized that this donation is not just a financial contribution but a long-term investment in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and the well-being of its people. He further expressed appreciation to the Korean government, stating that this donation reflects the highest ideals of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The Biomedical Engineering Services Division of the Ministry of Health currently oversees the management of over 500,000 medical devices across more than 50 hospitals. However, maintenance services have been hindered by limited personnel, outdated facilities, and financial constraints in acquiring modern medical technology. Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, noted that with these new donations, equipment downtime can be reduced, leading to improved efficiency in healthcare services. He also emphasized that the new mobile repair units, equipped with advanced technology, can travel to hospitals across all provinces, ensuring rapid response and maintenance support.
The donated mobile service vehicles are fully equipped with the latest repair and maintenance tools, allowing biomedical engineers to provide on-the-go servicing for medical equipment. The vehicles are designed to save time and offer flexibility, as they can conduct repairs while en route to hospitals or directly at medical institutions. The Ministry of Health has also allocated some mobile service units to Biomedical Engineering Sections within Provincial Council offices, further strengthening the accessibility of these services across the country.
The event was attended by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Additional Secretary (Development) Sunil Galagama, Deputy Director of the Biomedical Engineering Division Apsara Vilasini Kumarage, South Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee, KOFIH Chairman Dr. Il-Soo Ha, KOICA Sri Lanka Director Yooli Lee, along with other senior officials from Sri Lanka’s health sector and biomedical engineering divisions.
This generous donation from Korea Foundation for International Health Services (KOFIH) marks a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure. It ensures improved maintenance of critical hospital equipment, allowing enhanced medical services to be delivered efficiently and effectively across the country.
