The newly constructed seven-storey Nephrology and Dialysis Unit at the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, built at a cost of Rs. 550 million in central government funds, was officially vested in the public under the patronage of the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
Dr. Jasinghe also officially opened the Dialysis Section of the new facility, which features modern infrastructure including clinics, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), and operating theatres.
Addressing a growing number of kidney patients in the Eastern Province—particularly in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts—the Ministry of Health and Mass Media prioritized and expedited the remaining construction work using allocated budget provisions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that the opening of this specialized unit will significantly strengthen renal care services and enable the delivery of optimal healthcare to the people of the Eastern Province. Notably, the hospital successfully performed its first-ever kidney transplant surgery on May 15, 2025.
This project aligns with a broader development plan initiated by Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa following high-level discussions held last July with health sector heads in Batticaloa. The initiative aims to enhance physical and human resources across all hospitals in the district, serving over 589,000 local residents as well as patients from surrounding areas.
The event was attended by Deputy Directors General of Health Services Dr. S. Sridharan, Dr. H.M. Arjuna Thilakarathne, and Sagaree Kiriwandeniya; Additional Secretary Eng. Salinda Bandara; Director of Medical Education and Training Dr. Samantha Ranasinghe; Regional Director of Health Services and Director of the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital Dr. R. Muraliswaran; along with specialist doctors, medical officers, and nursing staff.
