India Pledges Rs. 600 Mn in Medical Equipment for New Deniyaya Hospital

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of India has agreed to provide essential medical equipment valued at approximately Rs. 600 million for the proposed new Deniyaya Base Hospital, which is set to be relocated to a safer location in light of environmental impacts and geological risks identified following Cyclone Ditwah.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the assistance was signed at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The agreement was signed by Ministry Secretary Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

The assistance will be provided under the Government of India's Aftermath Cyclone Ditwah Project, which focuses on restoring and strengthening healthcare infrastructure following the natural disaster. The project will supply essential medical equipment required for the new Deniyaya Base Hospital, enhancing the delivery of safer, higher-quality and more efficient healthcare services to residents of Deniyaya and surrounding areas.

Officials said the acquisition of modern and essential medical equipment under the agreement will further expand treatment services at the hospital, improve diagnostic and clinical capabilities, and strengthen healthcare delivery across the Matara District and neighboring regions.

Addressing the event, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa described the signing of the MoU as a significant milestone that further reinforces the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and India. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, for the valuable financial contribution being extended by the Government of India and the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka towards the provision of essential medical equipment for the new hospital.

The Minister emphasized that the support represents a major contribution to Sri Lanka's healthcare sector, particularly as efforts are currently underway to relocate the existing Deniyaya Base Hospital to a safer location due to the risks posed by landslides and other natural hazards.

He noted that the donation would significantly enhance the service capacity of the new hospital, enabling it to provide modern, efficient and high-quality healthcare services to communities in Deniyaya and surrounding areas. Dr. Jayatissa further stated that the agreement once again demonstrates India's continued commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka's healthcare system and improving access to healthcare services for rural populations.

The existing Deniyaya Base Hospital is located in an area vulnerable to landslides and other natural disasters, while space constraints have limited opportunities for expansion. As a result, the Government has identified the relocation of the hospital as a priority healthcare infrastructure project.

Plans are now underway to construct a modern 300-bed hospital at a new location. A suitable site has been identified at Handford Estate, approximately three kilometers from Deniyaya town, and the location was selected following detailed geological and technical assessments.

The new hospital project is expected to be implemented in two phases with an estimated investment of Rs. 6 billion. The first phase will include male, female, pediatric and maternity wards, operating theatres, intensive care units, an emergency treatment unit and a blood bank.

The innovative design will also feature a dedicated transport access point for patients arriving via public transport and official residential facilities for healthcare staff.

Construction is expected to commence this year and be completed within three years. Authorities have also incorporated provisions for future expansion of patient capacity, ensuring that the facility can meet growing healthcare demands in the years ahead.

The Government envisions the new Deniyaya Base Hospital as a modern, environmentally sustainable and disaster-resilient healthcare institution equipped with advanced technology, capable of delivering world-class healthcare services while strengthening medical infrastructure in the Southern Province.