Vital surgeries at National Hospital Colombo at risk of halt due to dilapidated condition

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - Persistent water leaks have plagued the Accident Service theatre complexes at the National Hospital Colombo for more than a month, yet no repairs have been undertaken, according to hospital sources.

The Accident Service’s ground-floor complex which includes Casualty, Vascular, and Orthopaedic theatres operating 24/7, has been hit by continuous leaks for over 30 days, sources said.

Despite the flow of surgeries, no remedial action has been visible on the ground.

Furthermore, the situation intensifies on the first-floor Orthopaedic theatre complex, also functioning 365 days a year across five theatres.

One room has seen water dripping onto the operating table mid-surgery, a fact confirmed by multiple sources, who fear that such breaches could compromise sterile environments and endanger patients.

Staff also say the adjacent doctors’ tea room is also soaked, adding to the chaos.

Adding to the urgency, the hospital has been without a permanent director for over three months.

Meanwhile, a senior hospital official acknowledged the issue, stating the matter is being addressed.

However, sources stress that this assurance has not translated into any visible on-site action despite repeated warnings.