A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for the construction of an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit at the District General Hospital (DGH), Mannar, along with the supply of medical equipment, under a grant of LKR 600 million from the Government of India.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday (9) by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe. Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attended the signing ceremony, the High Commission of India in Colombo announced.
The project involves the construction of a two-storey A&E unit and the procurement of all necessary medical equipment. According to the statement, the facility will meet a critical need at DGH Mannar, providing timely medical assistance during emergencies and saving lives in the “golden hour.”
It will also enhance the hospital’s overall capacity by bridging the gap between the average daily number of indoor patients and the available bed strength.
This initiative adds to India’s extensive portfolio of health sector cooperation in Sri Lanka. Key projects include the island-wide Suwa Seriya ‘1990’ ambulance service, medical aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 150-bed multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya, upgrades to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital and district hospitals in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, and the new surgical unit at the Teaching Hospital in Batticaloa.
Additionally, Indian grant assistance for the expansion of the Suwa Seriya service and the construction of a four-storey Medical Ward Complex at DGH Mullaitivu is currently under consideration.
