Lady Ridgeway to double up as mini school

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena decided to allow child patients at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital to continue studies while receiving long term medical treatment, a mnistry spokesman said.

The spokesman said around 200 children receive long term medical treatment at the hospital.

“They receive medical treatment for two or three months. One of the major problems they face is their inability to continue studies without interruption while receiving medical treatment,” he said. Minister Sirisena decided to commence the scheme after this was brought to his attention by doctors treating children.

“It is proposed to enable child patients to continue their studies with the assistance of school teachers who will visit the hospital to teach them,” he said.

A special discussion was held in connection with this programme with the participation of Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, specialist pediatrician Dr Hemamali Perera and LRH Director Dr Rathnasiri Hewage.

Further discussions will be held soon, the spokesman said.