For essential treatment including providing oxygen to critically ill patients at a time when Sri Lankan citizens are suffering from the Covid 19 Pandemic and especially when the Delta virus variant is spreading rapidly, Sri Lankans living in Japan donate a stock of medical equipment worth Rs. 3.26 million through the Rotary Yoneyama Sri Lanka Alumni Association of Japan to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital (Kalubowila).
The donation was made at the Ministry of Health with the participation of Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and Covid Disease Control. The 1,816,000 Japanese Yen (Rs. 3.26 million) worth medical equipment included a CPAP ventilator, a nasal oxygen therapy machine and a multipara monitor. Dr. Waruni Samaranayake was present on behalf of the Kalubowila Hospital to receive the equipment.
State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle stated that the number of patients admitted to hospitals has increased and most hospitals are overcrowded. The need for oxygen also has increased. The Rotary Yoneyama Sri Lanka Alumni Association has come forward to assist the hospital system and has donated the equipment to the Kalubowila Hospital at a very crucial time. The Minister thanked and appreciated the donors for coming forward to support the health system when it was struggling to control the pandemic.
The Minister further stated that she believes that this donation will enable the hospital system to save the lives of patients in need of oxygen who are suffering from complications due to the Covid disease.
On behalf of the Kalubowila Hospital, Dr. Waruni Samaranayake expressed her gratitude and Dr. Rohan Samarasinghe, Secretary of the Rotary Yoneyama Sri Lanka Alumni Association, who made the donation, also spoke. Mr. Priyantha Fernandopulle and Dr. Deepa Gunasekera on behalf of the Rotary Yoneyama Sri Lanka Association were also present at this occasion.