Strengthening Emergency Treatment Units Across 13 Hospitals in the Ampara District

At Vanni Hope, strengthening frontline healthcare systems is a critical part of our commitment to improving access to timely, quality medical care for underserved communities. As part of this ongoing effort, we are pleased to share the completion of our Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) Strengthening Program across 13 government hospitals in the Ampara District, under the Kalmunai Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS).

This initiative focused on equipping divisional- and base-level hospitals with essential medical equipment to improve emergency preparedness, reduce treatment delays, and enhance patient outcomes in a region that serves tens of thousands of people across rural and coastal communities.

Hospitals Supported Through This Program

The ETU Strengthening Program covered the following 13 government hospitals in the Ampara District:

• Divisional Hospital – Addalachchenai
• Divisional Hospital – Oluvil
• Divisional Hospital – Saithamaruthu
• Divisional Hospital – Paalamunai
• Divisional Hospital – Akkaraipattu
• Base Hospital – Ninthavoor
• Base Hospital – Samanthurai
• Divisional Hospital – Deegawapiya
• Divisional Hospital – Irakkamam
• Divisional Hospital – Karaitheevu
• Divisional Hospital – Central Camp
• Divisional Hospital – Malwatha
• Divisional Hospital – Maruthamunai

These hospitals act as first-line emergency care facilities for surrounding communities and are often the only point of access for urgent medical treatment.

What Was Delivered to Strengthen Emergency Care

Following joint field assessments conducted by medical professionals and the Vanni Hope team, hospital-specific equipment needs were identified and addressed. The program delivered a wide range of essential ETU medical equipment, including:

• ECG machines and ECG accessories
• Infusion pumps
• Autoclaves and sterilisation equipment
• Pulse oximeters
• Diagnostic sets
• Spinal boards and head block sets
• Hard and soft cervical collars
• Nebulisers
• Glucometers and glucose test strips
• IV stands
• Suture materials (absorbable and non-absorbable)
• Elastoplast and bandaging supplies
• Oropharyngeal airways
• Wheelchairs for patient mobility and emergency support

Each hospital received equipment tailored to its specific gaps, ensuring immediate improvements in ETU functionality and patient management capacity. These items are now actively supporting emergency care, trauma response, and stabilisation prior to referral when required.

Coordination and Implementation

This program was implemented by Vanni Hope in close coordination with the Kalmunai RDHS, hospital administrators, and frontline medical staff. The handover of equipment was supported by our team alongside key representatives, including our founding chairman Mr. Ranjan Sivagnanasundaram and field officer Mr. Dharmaraja, ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper documentation at every stage.

Beyond procurement and distribution, the program also included follow-up planning to ensure equipment is utilised effectively and maintained over time.

Acknowledging Support Behind the Program

This ETU Strengthening Program was made possible through the generosity of supporters of Dr. Krishna Mandaleson’s recent fundraiser, and through Dr. Krishna’s dedicated assistance in coordinating medical assessments, hospital engagement, and implementation alongside our team.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Krishna Mandaleson and everyone who supported his fundraiser, helping turn urgent clinical needs into tangible improvements across 13 hospitals.

Strengthening the Health System, One Hospital at a Time

By strengthening Emergency Treatment Units at the divisional and base hospital level, this program contributes to:

• Faster emergency response and stabilisation
• Reduced delays in treatment and referrals
• Improved staff capacity to manage trauma and acute medical cases
• Increased confidence in local government healthcare services

Most importantly, it helps ensure that people in the Ampara District can access lifesaving care closer to home, when every minute matters.

Watch the Full Video Coverage Below