First-ever unit with lung function machine opened

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Chinthamani Pilimathalawa handing over the machine to specialist Dr. Keerthi Gunasekara.

The unit with the first-ever lung function machine in Sri Lanka was opened at the Borella Central Respiratory and Lung Diseases Centre.

The machine will assist in diagnosing patients infected with Tuberculosis (TB) and also measuring their breathing functions, Health Ministry spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, such units were not available at any other state hospital. The unit will help measure breathing and lung function of patients who need surgeries, patients who need medical treatment for asthma and other diseases in the respiratory track and lungs, as well as help persons who need medical reports with LFT to go abroad.

The new unit would provide its service free of charge. The private sector charges over Rs. 5,000 to offer a report on lung function (LFT). The unit was built by Chinthamani Pilimathalawa in memory of late Lionel Pilimathalawa. The unit was opened by Specialist Doctor Keerthi Gunasekara.