Building a CAT-Scan unit at the Ampara General Hospital in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka

Posted Date : 02/15/2005 CST

Project Background

 The South East Asian Tsunami devastated the already meager medical resources of Sri Lanka. Ampara district in the Eastern Province was one of the most devastated and had the highest number of deaths in the country. In order to assist the government in its reconstruction efforts I-FREED will be constructing a CAT scan facility at the Ampara General Hospital. The need for such a unit was highlighted in the aftermath of the tsunami as a large number of patients with head injuries died during the 3-4 hour transport to the nearest such facility. Once constructed, it will serve the entire Eastern Province and save many lives. The required land for this project has been assigned to I-FREED and will be a part of the Ampara General Hospital Complex (Government owned hospital that provides free services). On completion the facility will be entrusted to the government for administration and staffing.

This I-FREED project will be directed by an advisory board (volunteers) in the US and Sri Lanka.

Click here to view the project proposal.



Information about CAT scans

 What is a CAT Scan?
A CAT scan is an x-ray procedure which combines many x-ray images and with the help of a computer, creates cross-sectional pictures of internal organs of the body.

How is it used?
A CAT scan is used to identify abnormal structures in the body (eg: Cancer) and assist in procedures where correct placement of instruments is needed for treatment (eg: taking out a blood clot in a patient with head injuries). In many urgent situations such as injuries and accidents, the findings of a CAT scan can help doctors treat quickly and effectively and save lives.

How often are CAT SCANS used in Sri Lanka?
Currently there are 8 scanners in the government health care system that provides care principally to its 20 million population. Based on usage data majority of these scanners are used 18 -20 times per day. Once installed, we expect the scanner at Ampara Hospital to do the same.




Update : 02/19/2005 CST

Project Location

 Ampara General Hospital, proposed site for this facility is located in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province (population – 1.4 million) of Sri Lanka. The population of Ampara district is 780,000. Sinhalese (39%), Tamil (19%) and Muslim (41%) are the three major communities living in the district. The Eastern Province has long been best by civil unrest and violence. Post tsunami, most hospitals are in dire need of equipment, medicines and health care workers. I-FREED has already provided a large amount of medical supplies to this region. This facility will enable the hospital to treat patients with injuries that are currently transferred to other facilities.
 

Director of the Ampara General Hospital accepting medical supplies sent by I-FREED

X - Proposed site

  


Travel time to nearest CAT scan facilities. Travel involves windy mountainous roads


Devastation in Ampara District

 The Eastern Province received severe damage following the tsunami, and Ampara District was one of the areas that was most affected. The Ampara General Hospital, the district’s main hospital, took the brunt of the patient load that was transferred from the surrounding areas. Located 20 km inland, it was not damaged. However, five hospitals along the coast ( Palamunai, Ninthavur, Karaitivu, Saindamarudu and Maradhamunai ) were destroyed and two others ( Kalmunai North base hospital and Ashraff memorial hospital) functioned below capacity due to arrival of a large number of dead bodies.


Ampara Hospital

 The Ampara General Hospital was chosen to house the scanner as it is a major referral center for the Eastern Province and did not receive damage from the tsunami. Improving the health facilities of this hospital by providing a CT scanner will attract health professionals to the area, improve the quality of internship and postgraduate training and improve the health care of the region.


 
Entrance to the Ampara General Hospital   Director of the hospital, Dr. Lankathilaka Jayasinghe
 
 A section of the Ampara General Hospital    Another view of the Ampara General Hospital
 
 Hospital ward    A sculpture at the Ampara hospital
 
 Parking area of the hospital    Hospital building


Project Progress

 The advisory board has now obtained discounted prices on suitable equipment (new and refurbished) from various companies. The following individuals and organization have agreed to collaborate on this project.
Update (5-27-05): The project advisory board has now selected equipment for this project. They have also obtained funds from the Ministry of Health to construct the building. Construction has commenced and will be overseen by Dr. Lankathilaka Jayasingha (director of Ampara Hospital), volunteer engineers and local agents of equipment companies.


Update (6-11-05): The project advisory board has now obtained the needed funds to complete this project. The choice of equipment is a Toshiba ASTEION VP Single slices Helical CT scanner. Selection was based on price discounts, suitability of equipment for the hospital patient census and availability of service contracts.

The Sri Lanka agent for The Toshiba Corporation is Mediquipment (private) Ltd.


Update (06-25-05): Project Director Sampath Paranavitane is in Sri Lanka and will finalize the required legal documents with the MOH and the agents of the Toshiba Corporation. He will visit Ampara Hospital and coordinate building construction with the Medical Director, Dr. Jayasingha.


Update (07-15-05): A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Health, Toshiba local agents and I-FREED representatives on July 13th 2005 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This agreement outlined the terms and conditions of the donation and the five year service contract. Present at the signing ceremony were the Honorable Minister of Health Nimal Siripala Silva, officials from the Ministry of Health, Project Director Sampath Paranavitane, Managing Director of Mediquipment, Asanka Goonewardena and representatives from donor and collaborative organizations such as Direct Relief International and Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC).
The building construction is expected to be completed by August 2005. I-FREED will be ordering the equipment in the near future.


Update (10-04-05): I-FREED has opened a Letter of Credit in order for the Toshiba Corporation to import the equipment to Sri Lanka. The facility construction was slightly delayed due to problems with obtaining a continuous power supply which has now been resolved. I-FREED expects to have the scanner installed and functioning soon.

Update (12-06-05): The Scanner arrived in Sri Lanka on November 18th. There were slight delays in clearing due to the presidential elections in the country. It was cleared and dispatched to Ampara Hospital on 12-6-05. The Toshiba agents will start installation immediately.

Update (02-23-06): The installation and commissioning of the scanner was completed by the Toshiba agents last week. Delays in installation were due to power supply concerns which were resolved over the past two months. The opening of the CAT scan unit is scheduled for March - 2006.

Update (03-08-06): The opening ceremony for the CAT scan facility is scheduled for 2nd April, 2006. The Guest of Honor will be the Minister of Health, Nimal Siripala Silva.


Picture Gallery

Building Construction

 The radiology unit will be expanded by 1200 sq. feet to house the scanner, computer work stations, AC area, changing rooms, office space and toilets. The waiting rooms will be common to the entire radiology department. Construction started in May of 2005 with funds provided by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The estimated cost of this area is US$ 20,000.
 
3D model of the CAT scan area that is being constructed - developed by Lanka Pannila PE and Chamila Pannila (14 yrs old).   The CAT scan room will have nine inch thick walls and lead doors and glass for shielding.

 
 
 
 
Construction of the CAT-Scan facility    

 

Signing of the MOU with the Ministry of Health (7-13-05)

 
Asanka Goonewardena (Director, Mediquipment), Perine Fernando (Country rep. Direct Relief International), Pamodinee Wijeyanayaka (Exec. Director, ADIC), Rajini and Sampath Paranavitane (I-FREED members and Project Director), Nimal Siripala Silva (The Honorable Minister of Health), Ranjith Maligaspe (Secretary, Ministry of Health), Ministry Official, Dr. Nihal Tennakoon, Muditha Jayathileke (Deputy Director of Bio Engineering), Ministry Official

 

Installation of scanner is complete (2-23-2006)

 
 
 
CAT-Scan facility - Post installation pictures    

 

Opening Ceremony (4-2-2006)

 
Perine Fernando, Country rep. for DRI speaking on behalf of I-FREED and DRI at the opening ceremony   Mr. Ian Paranavitane, (Sampath’s father) accepting plaque of appreciation given by Ampara Hospital on behalf of I-FREED
 
 Dr. Jayasingha speaking    Opening by Hon. Nimal Siripala Silva, Minister of Health. Also present Mr. P Dayaratne, MP for Ampara
 
 Lighting of the Ceremonial Lamp    Sri Lankan Cultural Show at the opening ceremony



Project Cost
 Equipment/ accessories
 $350,000  

 Provided by donor funds, discounts from equipment/accessories manufactures and Mediequipment Ltd.
 Land and building construction
 $30,000  
  Provided by MOH, Sri Lanka
 Clearing, customs and transport charges
 $3,000    Provided by MOH, Sri Lanka
 Maintenance contract for 5 year
 $60,000    Provided by donor funds and discounts from Mediequipment Ltd.
 Total Project Cost
 $433,000  
  


In kind services for this project have been provided by volunteer lawyers, accountants engineers of varying disciplines and government officials.

Administrative costs of the project (estimated at 1-2% of total project cost) has been provided by the project directors.


Donors

 We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following government, private and non-profit organizations for their donations towards this project.


For additional information please call 832-630-2697 or contact the project directors.


Copyright 2006 I-FREED. All Rights Reserved.