Tarana Foundation’s Gift transforms lives: Sri Lanka’s first Hip Preservation Set brings hope to children

Those in the picture from left: Dr. Sunil Wijesinghe, Tarana Foundation Chairperson Suranjani Wickremerathne, Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr. G Wijesuriya,  Tarana Foundation Restore Hope Project Co-Chair Ann Amaratunga, Dr. Dimuthu Tennakoon (Orthopedic Surgeon). The picture shows the Hip preservation set being handed over to the authorities of Lady Ridgeway Hospital. (Pictures by Nimal Edirisinghe) 

Lady Ridgeway Hospital has offered help to a mother during the process where her daughter is being diagnosed for an illness. The Restore Hope Project Co-Chair of Tarana Foundation, Ann Amaratunga, explained how the project was conceived when she took her daughter to the hospital.

Children with Orthopedic deformities and disorders and their families suffer in silence. They are often spoken critically of by the society and sometimes stigmatized. This may cause mental anguish. Fortunately, many of these physical challenges can be remedied through medical intervention and on-going medically assisted rehabilitation, allowing these children to lead a fulfilling life.

The project ‘Restore Hope’ was initiated by Tarana foundation. The project was successful in raising a fund of 7.5 million. A Hip preservation set was donated to Lady Ridgeway Hospital. The set enables correction of deformities and disabilities in children. It was underscored that this is the first occasion where a set has been made available for children in the entire country. Even though Sri Lankan doctors have performed such surgeries in other countries, the lack of equipment has prevented them from doing so in Sri Lanka.

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Dimuthu Tennakoon illustrated a scan done on a 13 year old boy, who has pethese disease. The disease occurs when some blood reaches the ball portion of the hip joint for a short time. There are various hip conditions that could occur in a child. Dr. Tennakoon said that some children find it hard to play and reasoned that birth problems, infections and cancer might also create medical problems in children’s hips. “During these conditions we can use this hip preservation set,” explained Dr.Tennakoon.  

During pethese disease the hip doesn’t last long as it is deformed and causes degeneration. This can lead to Osteoarthritis. It was explained that hips can be preserved without inserting artificial hips. Before the set was brought to the hospital, the doctors had to opt for artificial hip plantation. Now they have another option provided by this new set. Moreover, Dr. Tennakoon explained that the mushroom-like shape that is caused by the deformity can be given a circular shape, curing the disease. Overall, Dr. Tennakoon explained that a child’s hips can be preserved and made to last long.

Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr. G. Wijesuriya said, “Children with deformities will be able to walk like other children with the aid of this set”. It was said that the hospital serves 85,000 admissions and 65,000 outpatients annually. Moreover, he acknowledged the critical contribution made by the project in advancing orthopedic surgery capabilities.

Dr. Sunil Wijesinghe, addressing the gathering, appreciated the valuable donation that was made. He said that the motto of the orthopedic surgeons is ‘Life is movement and movement is life’. “When there is no movement there is no life,” he said. He added that the equipment donated will enable a large number of children to have mobility.

Tarana Foundation Chairperson Suranjani Wickremerathne expressed her gratitude to all the donors for their unweaving support. “Every rupee collected has been utilised to directly benefit the children in need as the project is entirely managed by volunteers,’’ she affirmed. “We are committed to continuing our support for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital and enhancing the quality of life for children,” said Wickremerathne.

Tarana Foundation

Tarana Foundation was established in 2018 and is registered as a Non-Profit Charity Foundation. It is operated by volunteers who have come together to enhance and strengthen the socio economic norms of rural communities in Sri Lanka. Tarana foundation operates with the purpose of nurturing four goals. These goals will look into health care, education, water and sanitation, housing projects and climate and environment. The organization extends an invitation to donors to be involved with the project.

Individuals can make their donations easily from any country and enjoy tax exemptions in the US. More details about how to donate can be obtained by logging on to the website https://www.taranafoundation.org/donate/