SAARC women donate Rs one million supplies to Lady Ridgeway hospital

The SAARC Women’s Association (SWA) was founded in 1996 and is established for the promotion of cultural integration, friendship, harmony and a better understanding between the women of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A cultural event is held each year by the members of SWA, the proceeds of which are donated to charitable causes. This year the SWA identified urgently needed equipment, for the ICU & Surgical theatre at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH), as the recipients of the money collected for their projects.

The following were purchased –

1. • Intermittent pneumatic compression device. This device is used to prevent formation of blood clots in legs after major surgery. The ICU has to borrow this machine whenever a child is admitted to the ICU with such a requirement.

•Sensors for Entropy. These sensors are required to monitor the depth of anesthesia during complex spine and brain surgery to assess the brain function and awareness during surgery.

•Sterilit Oil Spray (6 cans) – This is a special oil used to clean and service the surgical instruments. 1 can is sufficient for approx 1 month.

•The cost of the donation was Rs.1 million.

The donation was made on August 25, 2023 at the Operating Theatre Auditorium of the LRH by President Nimmi Thambiayah, President Elect Druki Martenstyn and Committee Members Eesha Speldewinde, Fathima Razik Cader and Chethika Hapugalle. The equipment was received on behalf of the LRH by Deputy Director LRH Dr. Santhusitha Senapathi, Spinal Surgeon Dr. Nirmal Marasinghe, MO Planning Dr. Savithrie Dharmaratne, MO/SICU Dr. Mahilal Jayasiri, Nursing Sister TAJ Shiwanthika, Nursing Officers DRL Welikala, HW Ranasinghe and MAR Kamalsiri.