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Last Updated : 2024-04-29 02:09:00
29 March 2024 10:20 pm - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, March 29 (Daily Mirror) - The National Hospital Colombo (NHC) Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana, said today that the hospital's main water tank tower and other water storage tanks have not been cleaned in the past 20 years.
Speaking to the media, he revealed that the hospital currently has approximately 161 water storage tanks, including the main water tank tower.
Surprisingly, there are no records available documenting the cleaning schedule or installation dates for these tanks, said Dr. Bellana adding that according to standard protocols, water storage tanks should be cleaned at least once every three months. However, shockingly, these tanks have not been cleaned for the past 20 years.
Dr. Bellana expressed concern over the apparent lack of attention to water cleanliness by health inspectors at the hospital. While routine water samples are sent to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) annually to check for bacterial levels, he claimed that this alone does not guarantee water purity. There could be harmful contaminants present in the water, posing risks to patients and staff alike, he further said.
Highlighting the significance of the issue, Dr. Bellana pointed out that this water is used by patients as well as sensitive equipment in operating theatres and laboratories, potentially leading to equipment damage.
Moreover, Dr. Bellana said that using water from uncleaned storage tanks poses both public health risks and threats to sensitive equipment, urging immediate action to address the situation.
"Who should take responsibility for this situation? It appears that the public health unit within the Health Ministry is not aware of what's happening, and the minor workers are neglecting their regular duties, including tasks they traditionally perform, and they are even refusing to clean intensive care units," he said.
The Secretary of Health, a former WHO Regional Director, could not be reached for comment.
Tissa Fernando Saturday, 30 March 2024 03:09 AM
Minor workers belong to NPP, it is not their government so why should they work, once their government comes into power, it is their government so why should they work at all. They will say that Dr Bellana should do the cleaning because they are the ruling class.
Ram Saturday, 30 March 2024 05:09 AM
Hospital have too many staffers besides medical. What was the asset manager doing for 20 years. Doesn't he have the responsibility to check on the various assets perform drills where necessary and put on record. We have been having Ministers and administrators who only fattened their pockets
This was how it was done under unglorified UNP Sunday, 31 March 2024 07:57 AM
When Dudley Senanayake was prime minister, we had a health minister named Mrs. Kannangara. This lady walks into kitchens, bath rooms and minor staff diners of Colombo hospitals, specially Colombo General Hospital unannounced. No executives nor security accompanied her. Then she calls the Medical supdt. who rushes to the spot to meet and accompany her. That was a golden era.
Dee Saturday, 30 March 2024 05:40 AM
What’s the point of having a deputy director who acts like union staff by talking about shortcomings which he as deputy director has the authority to put his foot down and do the needful ? Making a mockery of himself !
Mahila Monday, 01 April 2024 02:19 AM
Why is he continuing as Deputy Director, and getting paid, if he can't get it done, if it's true as claimed!!?? Time-Waster, as any Public official in SL!!?? No wonder country is ADVANCING! But in the reverse direction, than that deemed to be sought!!!??? God Knows!!!???
Mahila Monday, 01 April 2024 02:25 AM
He acts and belongs to the Lower-Rung Staff in health Ministry, "who runs with the Hare and Hunts with the Fox"!!?? The usual drama enacted by those rebel against the general environment but KEEPS being a burden of the PUBLIC PURSE??? Can't Forego the FAT Salary on the 25th being lost!!???
P Kunchithapathan Saturday, 30 March 2024 05:43 AM
This situation reminds me of the age-old adage, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." It's disheartening to witness the appalling state of affairs at General Hospital, Colombo. The administrative section and maintenance division of the hospital must bear responsibility for this. Regrettably, this might be a common scenario in many government hospitals across the country. It is imperative for the Ministry of Health to take decisive action to ensure cleanliness standards are upheld in all government hospitals nationwide.
Demote Saturday, 30 March 2024 06:07 AM
Ultimately, the senior management is responsible for not ensuring these kinds of inspections were not carried out. Should start to have a policy to demote or slash their salaries by 20% to 30%. Will send a clear message if you want to take a job with high salaries and perks, work hard for it and not to laze around and have a lethargic attitude.
AJ Saturday, 30 March 2024 06:20 AM
To whom are telling so, it’s your responsibility as deputy director of NHSL, maintaining health requirements through delegating duties among departments, if not its your shortfall, but public know well, its difficult to get work out of minor employees,but you should direct their supervisors to lead them to work and again you and administrators should supervise ,their duties thoroughly without spending your time in AC rooms throughout the day, do it for six months without offending and see the difference
DOT Saturday, 30 March 2024 06:45 AM
Its a responsibility of the director !
Jude Saturday, 30 March 2024 06:45 AM
Maybe lots of rats and other animals in the tank.
Potta Harry Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:11 AM
Curious to know job responsibilities of this deputy director @ NHSL include making regular statements to media on lapses in the hospital. Would not have been better he takes up these matters with relevant authorities and correct rather than trying create unnecessary issues among public.
Lokka Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:12 AM
Quite shocking news! There are many lapses in the present administrative system in the country Thank you Doctor for highlighting these lapsess.
Lokka Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:12 AM
Quite shocking news! There are many lapses in the present administrative system in the country Thank you Doctor for highlighting these lapsess.
Kugan Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:29 AM
If you are concerned tell the staffs to do it take responsibility don't bring it as issues come out of the AC room and join with the staff be an example
Gabriella Saturday, 30 March 2024 08:37 AM
If this is shocking, don’t visit the Kandy hospital. The shock will kill you !
Bel@gmail.com Saturday, 30 March 2024 08:47 AM
It's said that there is a 3 feet thick layer of sulpherphosphorusdebrishit and deep water fish with no eyes at the bottom that need to be taken out. Welldone doctors. All these years, you brought water from home and let the patients consume tank water!!
Sokrates Saturday, 30 March 2024 09:10 AM
The hospital's chief engineer or technician is responsible for this. He must have a record of the cleaning intervals. But laziness and ignorance prevail among government workers. Only merciless disciplinary measures, harsh punishments and dismissals can help.
DPerera Saturday, 30 March 2024 10:32 AM
Not sure if the water tanks of other hospitals or government buildings have ever been cleaned
Gabriella Saturday, 30 March 2024 01:57 PM
Ha ha ha ! Well done on your comedic effort !!!!!
Bring Your Own Water from Home. Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:19 PM
Very possible. That’s why always bring your own boiled water from home or buy bottled water. Even at regular or posh F
Very Possible Saturday, 30 March 2024 07:23 PM
@ Gabriella - you might have the last laugh! Remember, anything and everything is possible in SL!
UAli Saturday, 30 March 2024 02:28 PM
If this is the situation in main national hospital, we have doubts with reservoirs of water board which supplies to citizens ,can someone comment on them
Grace Saturday, 30 March 2024 04:47 PM
WONDER OF ASIA.
DJ Saturday, 30 March 2024 09:20 PM
They were waiting yo sell the water too. Disgusting
ikramfaiz@hotmail.com Saturday, 30 March 2024 10:03 PM
The hospital's directors , chief engineer or all warming the chair. These guys are paid for bluffing. This is had become the norm since independence.
Sri Lankan culture on show Sunday, 31 March 2024 04:56 PM
With the prior name of Ceylon no one would expect the terrible standards. But with Sri Lanka being the name, nothing good will ever happen. Singing the Maatha song is so mindless no wonder all who did it except a failed culture that we have here.
Dr.Jeyaraman Devarajkan Sunday, 31 March 2024 05:59 AM
This case is a typical example in the government sector most of the employees are not worried about the public, especially about the poor people. From this water tank, so many waterborne diseases can spread. Management should check who is responsible for cleaning, very strict orders need to be placed and also keep a record to check whether on a regular interval, cleaning is undertaken. The proper method is used for cleaning.
Dr. Bellana causing great fuss when tests show no issue Sunday, 31 March 2024 08:36 AM
Cleanliness is next to madness and obsession with Dr. Bellana. Is he trying to early retirement or soliciting for commission from tank cleaning company. The Army should do it as private sector will door poor job, and charge exorbitantly.
sam Sunday, 31 March 2024 09:18 AM
How long have you been there and what action have you taken?
Jayantha Sunday, 31 March 2024 10:32 AM
This shows lack of management skills in the deputy director. First you should inform the relevant person or section responsible for that matter and ask them to clean it. If they dont doit. You can raise the matter with the ministry. If it still fails then you can come like this and make statements.
Vive James Sunday, 31 March 2024 11:04 AM
Srilanka beyond repair. It's very hard to rectify right now unless their is regime change in 2024 Mindset must change
sam Sunday, 31 March 2024 05:24 PM
What action during your time?
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