Govt. reviews proposal to bring Tellippalai Base Hospital under Central Administration

Colombo, June 28 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has initiated a review of the feasibility of bringing Tellippalai Base Hospital under the administration of the Central Government, while assuring that no final decision will be made until consultations are held with all relevant stakeholders.

The matter was discussed during an official inspection visit to the hospital by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar. The hospital is currently administered by the Northern Provincial Council.

During the visit, the ministers held extensive discussions on improving healthcare services, strengthening administrative and resource management, and enhancing treatment facilities for patients. They also reviewed several challenges facing the hospital, including shortages of medical personnel, specialist doctors and nursing staff, the need for additional medical equipment, infrastructure development, and measures to expand patient care services.

The ministers met with medical officers, nursing staff, healthcare workers and administrative officials to hear their concerns and recommendations. They also toured several hospital wards and interacted with patients receiving treatment.

Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government's immediate position is to maintain the existing administrative structure while carefully examining future proposals. He noted that the three-storey hospital building currently under construction is expected to be completed next year and that requests have been received to establish an oncology treatment unit at the hospital.

He said the Ministry is studying the possibility of bringing the proposed oncology unit under the Ministry of Health as a specialised service, while also examining the feasibility of placing the entire hospital under Central Government administration. Although the Jaffna District Development Committee has recommended such a move, he stressed that no final decision would be taken until the views of the hospital administration, doctors, healthcare workers and other stakeholders are obtained. A special committee will be appointed to gather recommendations before a final decision is made.

Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said Tellippalai Base Hospital plays a vital role in providing healthcare services to the people of the Northern Province. He commended the dedication of the hospital's doctors, nurses and healthcare workers despite resource constraints and assured that the Government would address the identified shortcomings in a phased manner.

He also urged all parties to work together for the development of the hospital, stating that healthcare should not become a political issue but should remain focused on ensuring quality, equitable and efficient medical services for the public.

The visit was attended by Jaffna District MP Dr. S. Sribhavanandarajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, senior health officials, hospital administrators, specialist consultants, medical officers, nursing staff and members of the Hospital Development Committee.