UNICEF helps to re-establish maternal and child health facilities in Ki'linochchi

[TamilNet, Thursday, 27 May 2010, 17:20 GMT]
UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle and Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapakse Thursday re-opened the new facility of emergency obstetric and pediatric care at the Kil’inochchi General Hospital. In addition to the Ki’linochchi hospital, Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Philippe Duamelle also opened the Musali maternity building in Mannar district constructed by UNICEF. “This project will serve the health needs of thousands of women and children now returning back to their homes,” UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle said at the opening event in Ki’linochchi.

Ki’linochchi hospital was damaged during the war and vital health facilities and equipment were lost. With UNICEF assistance the operating theatre, labour room, maternity and pediatric wards were refurbished and equipped.

Philippe Duamelle said that UNICEF is committed to continue supporting the restoration of quality health and nutrition services in Sri Lanka.

UNICEF has also donated five Toyota land-cruisers, refurbished and renovated, four Gramodaya Health Centres in the Northern Province and will be renovating and equipping the obstetric and paediatric units of the Mullaithivu General Hospital.

The total estimated cost of Rs.154 million for restoring these health facilities is funded by UNICEF with contributions from AUSAID, DFID, USAID and the Government of Spain.