The
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and the International Federation
have been given the green light for a major project to rebuild
and rehabilitate 34 health facilities damaged by the tsunami
on 26 December.
A Memorandum of Understanding outlining the details of the project
has been signed with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health.
It includes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of general
hospitals, base hospitals, district hospitals, rural hospitals,
peripheral units and central dispensaries in 11 affected districts.
Also included is the construction of three training centres
for nurses.
“The Sri Lankan health sector was hit hard by the tsunami.
The Federation has developed expertise in reconstruction of
health facilities from small health centres to relatively large
hospitals. This expertise will now be used in ensuring reconstruction
and redevelopment of vital health facilities in the country,
as well as helping train skilled staff to support them,”
says Alasdair Gordon Gibson, head of the International Federation’s
delegation in Sri Lanka.
The Memorandum was signed by Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka, Acting Secretary
of the Ministry of Healthcare, Nutrition and Uva Wellassa Development,
on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Mr Jagath Abeyasinghe,
President of the SLRCS, and Mr Gordon Gibson.
The 34 facilities represent more than a third of the health
structures that have been identified by the government for urgent
redevelopment. In addition to reconstruction, renovation, repair
and equipment, the support will cover maintenance needs for
five years.
The project will be implemented in accordance with the guidelines,
specification designs and standards given by the Ministry of
Health. The Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau will prepare
the developmental plan in consultation with the Ministry of
Health. A committee of five persons will be appointed by the
Ministry of Health to oversee project activities in coordination
with the Federation and SLRCS.
The Federation and the SLRCS have already committed to constructing
15,000 houses in tsunami-affected districts.
|
 |
 |
|
|
A
Sri Lanka Red Cross volunteer gives first aid. Since the
tsunami, the SLRCS and International Federation have been
providing essential health services. The Memorandum of
Understanding marks a significant step forward in the
health rehabilitation phase (p12727)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Representatives
of the Sri Lanka Red Cross, the International Federation
and the Sri Lanka Ministry of Healthcare sign the memorandum
n Colombo (p12728)
|
|
News
