Therapeutic play area at LRH opened

Nadira Gunatilleke

The first open therapeutic play area built for children receiving treatment at a hospital for neuro disorders was opened at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo recently.

The play area was constructed by Americares International at a cost of Rs. two million, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, a therapeutic open play area is a must for the children when receiving treatment for various neurological problems caused at their birth and after. Such problems arise when they fall while playing etc.

The children need to be active and play while receiving physiotherapy.

Around 2,000 children receive physiotherapy at LRH for various neurological problems.

LRH is the largest children's hospital in Asia.

The government has allocated Rs. 4.5 million to build a separate building for the OPD of the hospital under the direction of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, he added.