The Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama inaugurated the country’s first dedicated unit for bone marrow and blood cell transplantation for children with cancer. This landmark achievement, unveiled yesterday, was made possible by the generous donations of devotees from the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya.
The new unit, equipped to treat four children simultaneously, offers life-saving care for young cancer patients. Previously, such treatments required families to seek medical assistance abroad at exorbitant costs.
The construction of this advanced medical facility was funded by contributions from devotees at the Kataragama Maha Devalaya, with the building process handled by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Temple, expressed deep gratitude to the public, remarking, “The funds donated by devotees to seek blessings from the Kataragama deity have now materialized into this hospital. This initiative represents the collective goodwill of hundreds of thousands of people.”
Dishan Gunasekara, Basnayake Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya, highlighted the temple’s financial growth and its commitment to community welfare. He shared that the temple’s annual income has grown from 50 million rupees to over 400 million rupees, enabling significant philanthropic ventures. Gunasekara added that ongoing construction of a 44-bed complex at the Kataragama Hospital, already 80% complete, demonstrates their commitment to healthcare advancement.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa lauded this initiative as part of a broader national healthcare strategy. “This year’s budget allocates the highest amount ever for the Ministry of Health. Our hospitals are integral to the national plan, which envisions transformative healthcare outcomes over the next twenty years.”
The unit is housed within the recently inaugurated four-story pediatric ward, also funded by donations from the Kataragama Maha Devalaya. This modern facility, inaugurated in September last year, underscores the potential of collaborative efforts in healthcare development, offering new hope for Sri Lanka’s young cancer patients.
