Participating in the event, the Minister also handed over two modern machines worth Rs. 1.5 million to the hospital’s physiotherapy unit, purchased with contributions from the Elpitiya Base Hospital Development Committee. He said priority had been given to activating inactive and scattered HDCs, stressing that the first step after assuming duties at the Ministry was to formalize and strengthen them in line with each hospital’s classification.
Dr. Jayatissa noted that many hospitals now have active committees, enabling systematic development from the National Hospital to Primary Health Care Units. He further stated that the government will develop hospitals nationwide, including those in the Southern Province, through a planned program rather than “politics of promises.”
The Elpitiya Hospital Development Committee recently spent Rs. 1.5 million, raised through a lottery, to provide the hospital with a stimulation machine, an ultrasound machine and a wheelchair. The new building for the Hospital Police was identified as another urgent requirement.
The Minister, who also inspected the hospital’s emergency treatment unit, laboratory and other services, held discussions with hospital administrators and staff on patient care, development projects, and staff concerns. Committee members highlighted that this was the first time in recent years a Cabinet Minister had visited the hospital.
