Caring infirmary in Anuradhapura
Ruwanthi Abeyakoon
THE LACK of a proper hospital, or a medical centre was a hindrance
for upgrading the lives of people in the Anuradhapura District.
The aim of the Suwa Shanthi Hospital was to bring the doctors and
specialists under one roof and provide
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The Suwa Shanthi Hospital |
the necessary medical facilities
to the people around. The person behind the walls of the massive
building is Chairman, Suwa Shanthi Hospital, Shanthi Liyanage.
"It was a huge task and a challenge to build the hospital. My husband
H. K. A. Gunarathne is a businessman. He initiated building this
hospital where people can obtain a better and an efficient service at a
reasonable cost," she said.
Liyanage said the existing medical centres in the District were
unclean and disorganised. "People used to suffer. Even the doctors did
not have enough facilities to provide a good service. Four hundred to
five hundred people visit the medical centres daily and they had no
facilities at all," Liyanage explained.
"Amidst all these challenges and obstacles we were able to put up
Santhi Medical Centre in 1998. We received the service of 15
specialists. There were four rooms for the doctors. The centre was small
but we were able to offer a good service to the patient," she said.
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Out Patient Department |
"Gradually people started flowing to the hospital. They were
satisfied with the facilities we offer. The service was efficient and
the centre consisted of modern equipment. Several friends assisted us to
get here.
We were able to turn the Shanthi Medical Centre into the Suwa Shanthi
Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd in 2001," she added.
"The hospital has facilities such as the OPD, specialists' services,
operation theatre, x-rays, ECG, scanning facilities, a laboratory and a
pharmacy. My main concern is patients' satisfaction. Around 350 patients
come to us for various sicknesses daily.
There are water filters and elevators for the patients. We also have
an ambulance service," Liyanage explained.
Around 60 employees work under her. She said their dedication
improves the services and attracts people to the hospital.
"Employees are given residential facilities free. They are insured
and their work is assessed during the year. Through this they are
trained to provide a better service for the patients. I have invested Rs.
48 m to
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Operation theatre |
establish this hospital with all facilities. I hope to expand
the services in the future," she explained.
"We have been successful and have come along way in 10 years. We
share our success with the people and the staff. Without their support
and faith we would not have been able to achieve this huge task.
I am dedicated to improve our services more and offer more facilities
in the future. Then the people don't have to be anxious and head to
Colombo or Kandy when burdened with a sickness. They will have a
solution in their own town," she said.
She has been awarded the Provincial silver award at the Sri Lankan
Entrepreneur of the Year 2005, for her valuable service. "My aim is to
upgrade the services and contribute in creating a healthy nation,"
Liyanage said. |
