Rs. 40 million ward complex opened at Ragama
Nadira Gunatilleke
Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva recently
opened the first ever surgical ward complex in Sri Lanka built using
funds donated by a Bhikku. The ward complex was built at the Ragama
Teaching Hospital at a cost of Rs. 40 million, Healthcare and Nutrition
Ministry spokesman said.
He said the surgical ward complex had been built with the funds
donated by Waradala Mallivanarama Viharadhipathi Ven. Aluthepola
Jinarama Thera. The new surgical ward complex consist of 50 beds
allocated for patients and another 50 beds allocated for religious
dignitaries.
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Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva admiting the
first patient to the new ward complex while ministry
officials look on. |
The ward complex is located in a two storeyed building. The
Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry granted Rs.30 million for the
construction work.
According to Ven. Galnewe Dhammapala Thera, Ven. Aluthepola Jinarama
Thera had saved money facing many difficulties with the objective of
carrying out some sort of social service or social welfare activity for
the public.
The Thera had passed away recently before the opening of the new
surgical ward complex built using those funds.
Addressing the gathering Minister De Silva pointed out that Buddhism
can be used to heal mental patients who are on the increase. He also
stated that he had explained to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the
importance of using Buddhism for counselling and treating mental
illnesses.
According to the Minister the Executive Committee of the WHO had
responded very positively to his proposal. |
