Ragama Teaching Hospital faces crisis due political chaos

Colombo (News 1st) - The hospital committee of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital points out that the newly constructed building to treat patients lacks the required facilities. The Colombo North Teaching Hospital in Ragama which is only second to the Colombo National Hospital treats about 5000 patients on a daily basis.  Over 600 doctors serve at this hospital that spans over a land mass of 28 acres. The construction of this 9 storied building, to provide surgery, clinic and treatment from sudden accidents began in 2010. The cost of the project was Rs. 1500 million. The building was due to be declared open on the 8th of November by the Former Minister of Health. However, the building is currently being used for treatment without an official opening ceremony. The Chairman of the hospital committee, Prof. Dhanawardena Guruge talking to News1st stated that doctors in the hospital are facing many issues. He noted that a large number of doctors have been suddenly transferred from this hospital. They have been released to the Aniyakanda Hospital. He also stated that the officials including the director of the hospital were to hold discussions with them about the transfers but he stated that without any such discussions, they have begun working inside this building. Director of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital Dr Shelton Perera stated that the hospital was prepared to hold the opening ceremony and conduct operations, but due to the situation in the country, this matter had to be postponed. He stated that the current contractor must now hand this over to the engineer of the ministry. Some places have already been handed over. Some places have not yet been handed over. He noted that they will hand it over to the hospital after they have given it to the state engineering division. He noted that their plan was to finish this by the 8th but this was not possible with the political situation. But work has begun in the units that were handed over. We inquired from the Director of the Hospital on the allegations made by the hospital committee on the transfer of 7 doctors from the Colombo North Teaching hospital. He said that the 7 doctors were transferred as per the annual transfers that were not done since 2013. He added that another 40 doctors are due to be transferred.