From left: Dr. Malith Athapattu GM Quality and Head of Medical Services Hemas Hospitals, Sanath Dassanayake Head of Supply Chain and Lean Transformation Hemas Hospitals, and Dr. Lakith Peiris, MD of Hemas Hospitals Chain handing over essential medica; consumables to Dr. Saman Kumara, Consultant Neonatal Paediatrician of Castle Street Hospital.

Responding to a desperate plea by the medical fraternity, Hemas Hospitals immediately donated 500 Endotracheal (ET) tubes to the neo-natal unit of the Castle Street Hospital for Women. 

The gesture was in immediate response to a recorded voice message in circulation by Dr Saman Kumara, Consultant Neonatal Pediatrician of Castle Street Hospital, appealing for ET tubes which he said was critical in ventilating newborn babies and fast becoming unavailable due to the current economic and political situation in the Country.  

According to Dr Saman Kumara, the situation has become life-threatening as the hospital is compelled to re-use disposable ET tubes and ventilator circuits, which he emphasized, is not an acceptable standard. 

Hemas Hospital Managing Director Dr. Lakith Peiris stated that as a responsible healthcare institution, Hemas felt it was its priority and fundamental obligation to immediately attend to this medical emergency. 

“We recognized the dire need of Castle Street hospital and the vital role that national hospitals play to communities. Any disruption of essential supply lines becomes a matter of life and death and must be addressed immediately, and it is in that mindset that we at Hemas felt it was our absolute responsibility to provide the vital ET tubes that are becoming overwhelmingly scarce,” said Dr. Peiris.

Dr Saman Kumara in receiving the equipment expressed his deep appreciation of Hemas Hospitals. 
“This is a humanitarian service – a contribution that reflects the values of an organization for which we are truly appreciative,” he said.