The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Question concerns the current status of the Chilaw General Hospital and its development. The answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Chilaw Hospital functioned as a base hospital until 2011, and was upgraded to a District General Hospital in 2011. It was under the Provincial Council then, and in 2013 it was handed over to the Central Government.

¶ 03 Situated on about 7.5 acres, most wards are single-storey. Construction of a ward complex with operating theatres commenced in 2016. Nine years have passed; it is partly built. We aim to recommence procurement and complete the ward complex with theatres within this year, allocating Rs. 700 million.

¶ 04 Work on the Accident and Emergency Unit commenced in January 2018 but has halted. We will recommence this year with Rs. 300 million, expecting completion within two years.

¶ 05 We will complete the sewerage system this year with an allocation of Rs. 82 million through the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

¶ 06 Currently, 41 specialist doctors are among a total staff of 958. There are 644 inpatient beds.

¶ 07 (ii) Existing physical and human resources are being managed for maximum efficiency to continue patient care.

¶ 08 (b) (i) Yes. As stated, we will provide facilities in line with the criteria for District General Hospitals. (ii) As per the Master Plan, construction of the A&E building and a five-storey ward complex is underway, and the sewerage system will be refurbished. We are intervening, as this is the only District General Hospital for Puttalam District.

¶ 09 (c) Does not arise.