COLOMBO : A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (25 August) between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Mass Media and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to facilitate the expansion of free cardiothoracic surgery services by utilising the facilities of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Teaching Hospital.
The Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr Anil Jasinghe and Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Rear Admiral H. G. U. Dhammika Kumara signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.
The initiative, implemented in accordance with a Cabinet proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, is aimed at reducing congestion and addressing the lengthy waiting list for cardiothoracic surgeries at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).
Addressing the gathering, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) commended the initiative, noting that it would enormously benefit the general public by reducing waiting times and improving access to life-saving cardiac care. He also emphasised that the collaboration would enable the optimal utilisation of the modern facilities, infrastructure and equipment available at the KDU Hospital.
Under the arrangement, specialist doctors and clinical staff of the Cardiothoracic Unit of the National Hospital will conduct free heart and thoracic surgeries and provide specialised treatment for patients at the KDU Teaching Hospital. KDU will provide the necessary infrastructure, medical facilities and specialised equipment, while the Ministry of Health and Mass Media will provide the required medicines, medical supplies and specialised medical care.
Officials representing the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University were also present at the signing ceremony.
