KOICA upgrades Korean medical clinic at Ayurveda Hospital

Korea International Cooperation Agency, (KOICA) has upgraded and renovated the Korean clinic attached to the National Ayurveda Hospital of Sri Lanka (Teaching). KOICA said that the clinic that has been set up in 2003 was meant for the advancement of the indigenous medicine sector in Sri Lanka.

According to a press release issued by KOICA about 150 patients receive treatment on a daily basis for diseases such as muscular vascular disease, disc collapse, shoulder pains, neck pain, lower back pain, osteolysis, multiple back pains, knee pains and knee joint pains…etc.

KOICA in collaboration with the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM) initiated an Acupuncture Certificate Course, where Ayurvedic practitioners and students have an access to obtain professional qualifications for their career development enabling them to disseminate various treatment methods towards the community.

As an initiative to mark its 20th anniversary, the newly renovated Korean Clinic was handed over to the Sri Lankan Authorities at an opening ceremony held in the hospital premises on 13th September 2023, equipped with new facilities for improved service delivery for the community.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon LEE, KOICA Country Director Ms. Myung Jin KIM, Secretary of the Ministry of Health Mr. S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Commissioner of Ayurveda Dr. M.D.J. Abeygunawardena, President of AKOFE (Association of KOICA Fellow in Sri Lanka) Roshan Serasinghe, KOICA Global Doctor Dr. Sukhong KANG and other dignitaries representing the Ministry of Health, KOICA Sri Lanka Office, Ayurvedic Hospital and the Korean Clinic.

The Ambassador, stated that Korea considers Healthcare to be one of the key priority areas for grant aid. She further appreciated the efforts of Korean clinic functioning as a center to transfer Korean acupuncture treatment methods to Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practitioners and those who are studying Indigenous Medicine and also added that Sri Lanka and Korea can go long way in developing oriental medicine practiced in the two countries by learning from each other.

AKOFE also donated essential items to the Korean Clinic such as Pillows, Washing Machine, Polyethylene…etc. during the ceremony needed for better and efficient treatment for patients expressing that “Korean Clinic established 20 years ago, has done a remarkable service to the nation by providing free medical assistance to our needy community”