Laying foundation for Bone Marrow Transplant Centre and handing over Thalassemia Infusion Systems held under the auspices of Health Minister in Kandy

Foundation stone laying for a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre and free distribution of Thalassemia Infusion Systems were held under the patronage of the Minister of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, at the Kandy Teaching Hospital Complex today (8). The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne was also present on this occasion. 

Foundation laying for a six - storeyed building was made in parallel with the World Thalassemia Day which falls today. Further, the Commander of the Navy handed over Thalassemia Infusion Systems produced by the Sri Lanka Navy to the honorable minister, to be distributed among the children suffering from Thalassemia. 

The minister stated that, there are around three thousand and five hundred (3,500) Thalassemia victims found in Sri Lanka up to date and measures have been taken to distribute Thalassemia Infusion Systems for all victims, coordinating with the Navy. The Navy has distributed 1,521 Thalassemia Infusion Systems thus far.   

The Infusion System is an essential device for Thalassemia patients for the removal of excessive iron deposits gathered in vital organs as a result of frequent blood transfusions which are needed for the treatment of the disease. When the treatment is given it is necessary to give the right dose for a period of 8-10 hours. However this is practically a very difficult task in hospitals. The Sri Lanka Navy’s Research and Development Unit, for the first time, invented an Infusion System in 2010. In the same year it won the Engineering Excellence Award from the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka for its manufacturing excellence. 

The production of Thalassemia Infusion Systems is carried out under the close supervision of the Commander of the Navy and infusion pumps have been distributed across a number of government and children’s hospitals as of now. Further, the Navy will continue to produce the infusion pumps to meet the total requirement of the nation.  

The Director of Kandy Teaching Hospital, its medical staff, diplomats, distinguished guests, senior officers and a large number of common citizens were also present on this occasion.