Rs 700 m hospital in Kattankudy

The new Kattankudy Divisional Hospital was opened on July 14 initiated by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and entirely constructed with funding support of over 700 million rupees from the Norwegian Red Cross.

The state of art building complex comprises a 150 bed in care-facility, service building and quarters for doctors and nurses. The new complex replaces the former hospital destroyed by the 2004 tsunami.

"This is the best hospital in the Eastern Province. It will serve the people affected by the tsunami and conflict," Child Development and Women's Affairs Deputy Minister M. L. M. Hisbullah said at the opening ceremony.

"All facilities and equipment in the hospital will be used for the advancement of health status of people in the area.

We are grateful to the Norwegian Government and the people for their magnanimous contributions," Hisbullah said. The Deputy Minister said the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society had always extended its humanitarian services and support for the people affected by disasters such as tsunami.

Norwegian Red Cross Secretary General Berge Brende said that building of this hospital with seven wards and the provision of all equipment would treble the capacity of the hospital. "Today we mark the completion of another Norwegian Red Cross supported tsunami project and are happy to see that all the beneficiaries will have added service through this health facility," he said.