Health Ministry responds to Daily Mirror report, releases funds

• Rs. 120 Million  released to  Colombo National Hospital

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Health Ministry has taken action in response to an exclusive report by the Daily Mirror regarding defaulted payments of electricity and maintenance bills at seven hospitals in Colombo.    

Accordingly, the ministry has released funds to the respective hospitals to settle the outstanding payments.   

Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta confirmed this to Daily Mirror, stating that Rs. 120 Million has been released to the Colombo National Hospital, while the process of releasing funds for other hospitals is ongoing.  

However, the Health Ministry is yet to address concerns regarding red electricity bills received by many government hospitals.   

The Daily Mirror reported yesterday (27) that several government hospitals, including the Colombo National Hospital, are at risk of power outages as the Ceylon Electricity Board has warned of such possibilities due to the failure to settle defaulted payments of electricity and maintenance bills. 

• Health Ministry is yet to address concerns regarding red electricity bills received by many government hospitals