Over Rs. 3,500 m to upgrade Blood Bank network

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Blood Bank network of Sri Lanka will be upgraded at a cost of Rs. 3,500 million with modern medical equipment and high technology with the assistance of Simed International, Netherlands, a Health Ministry Spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, a Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Health Ministry and Simed International recently in connection with the project. The project is aimed at further improving the Blood Transfusion Service and Blood Banks countrywide, preventing blood related infections, such as HIV and Hepatitis. Sri Lanka's blood transfusion service has been internationally recognized as the best in Asia.

"New buildings will be constructed at several hospitals under this project at Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Kalmunai South, Chettikulam, Mallavi, Mahaoya, Padaviya, Dehiattakandiya, Polonnaruwa, Marawila, Tangalle, Mahiyanganaya, Kalutara, Ragama, Ratnapura, Peradeniya, Kuliyapitiya etc to house blood banks,"he said.

Simed International designs, builds and equips hospitals and other medical facilities worldwide. The organization is specialized in the turn-key realization of health care projects, from upgrading an existing facility to realizing a complete new hospital. Simed employS experienced professionals. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Health Ministry officials, Simed International Area Manager Ralph Broeders and Simed officials were present on the occasion.