Rs 109m to upgrade Kantale Hospital

Suraj A Bandara

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena visits a ward where a baby is receiving treatment. Buddhasasana Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena and Kantale Hospital Director Dr. R Ravindranath look on

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the Kantale hospital taken over by the Central Government will be upgraded at a cost of Rs. 109 million this year.

He was addressing a gathering after touring the hospital site which is under construction.

The minister said the hospital will be upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities and will be provided all facilities a modern hospital needs.

Cabinet approval has been granted to the proposal to develop the hospital, the minister said.

He said though an eye surgeon is available at the hospital no sufficient facilities have been provided for the doctor.

He assured that the eye surgeon will be provided all facilities to treat patients who otherwise will have to travel a long distance to consult an eye surgeon.

The minister also instructed health officials to construct a new kitchen to provide patients fresh and clean food.

The hospital has to be upgraded step by step and it will take some time, he said.