Colombo: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (25 August) between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to facilitate the expansion of free cardiothoracic surgery services by utilising the facilities of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Teaching Hospital.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the agreement was signed by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, and Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Rear Admiral H. G. U. Dhammika Kumara on behalf of their respective institutions. The initiative is implemented in accordance with a Cabinet proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, aimed at reducing congestion and addressing the lengthy waiting list for cardiothoracic surgeries at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (
NHSL).
During the signing ceremony, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) noted that the initiative would benefit the general public by reducing waiting times and improving access to life-saving cardiac care. He highlighted that the collaboration would enable optimal utilisation of the modern facilities, infrastructure, and equipment available at the KDU Hospital.
Under the new arrangement, specialist doctors and clinical staff from the Cardiothoracic Unit of the National Hospital will conduct free heart and thoracic surgeries and provide specialised treatment for patients at the KDU Teaching Hospital. KDU will supply the necessary infrastructure, medical facilities, and specialised equipment, while the Ministry of Health and Mass Media will provide the required medicines, medical supplies, and specialised medical care.
Officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University were present at the signing ceremon
y, marking a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services in the country.