Health

Asiri opens neonatal intensive care unit

They named her Nafisa - meaning precious. For the Rifki family, nothing was more precious than saving their baby daughter who was born preterm at 26 weeks.

Their world turned upside down when Mrs Rifki went into labour 'for no known reason' and delivered a 960 gram baby who was barely larger than her palm.

However, despite the odds, baby Nafisa, her parents and her team of doctors and nurses at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of ASIRI hospitals fought their individual battles and today, Nafisa is a healthy 10 month old.

Nafisa is one of many who have successfully been cared for through the difficulties of premature birth at the NICU of the ASIRI Group of Hospitals situated at Kirimandala Mawatha. Considered Sri Lanka's most technologically advanced hospital, ASIRI Hospital's NICU is the best equipped in the country.

According to Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at ASIRI Dr. Menik Gunewardena the NICU is equipped to provide some of the most comprehensive multidisciplinary care for critically ill neonates and infants.

ASIRI's NICU specialists not only provide the most advanced life-saving treatments for your baby, but also do so in the gentlest and caring manner, taking every step possible to ensure your baby's comfort.

The NICU staff's full-time neonatologists (doctors who specialise in the care of sick newborns) and neonatal nurse practitioners. "These specialists are on site 24-hours a day, seven-days a week, so they can respond immediately to your baby's needs at any time of the day or night," she said.

Having previously worked in the UK, Dr. Nalinda Rodrigo, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist says that this NICU is comparable to any found in the UK. He added that the NICU is equipped to handle fetal surgery and Intranterine fetal surgery following international standards and procedures.

"Due to the referral base, patients can be transported from other hospitals to the ASIRI NICU in a special transport incubator," says Dr. Rodrigo. "Our close collaboration is just one more way of ensuring the highest level of care to our critically ill neonates," he added.

Thereafter, to enable parents to feel comfortable with their baby's doctor, the same physician will care for the baby until discharge.

With 12 Incubators and Open Care systems, ASIRI's NICU usually cares for up to six babies at a time. "We try to minimise the number due to the concentrated care needed for each baby," Dr. Gunewardena said.

Nawaloka wins National Business Excellence Awards 2007 in healthcare

Nawaloka Hospitals was honoured with the winners trophy in the health care sector at the recently concluded National Business Excellence Awards 2007, conducted by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka at the Grand Ball Room of Hilton Hotel.

An annual event, conducted by the National Chamber of Commerce [NCCSL] recognise business enterprises which have demonstrated excellence in business whilst contributing to the economic progress of the country.

It is a highlight in the local corporate business calendar. "We are honoured to be the recipients of this prestigious accolade. Over the years Nawaloka Hospitals have been in the forefront of the local private healthcare sector with many firsts to our credits.

This is the 3rd consecutive year where Nawaloka Hospital has been adjudged the recipients of this prestigious award. Therefore it is gratifying to note that our efforts are being increasingly recognised", Chairman Nawaloka Hospitals, H.K.Dharmadasa said.

"With the opening of our new wing scheduled for April 2008 at a cost of Rs. 3.1 billion, we hope to unveil yet another chapter of excellence in the local healthcare industry".