Post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery: India to supply state-of-the-art medical equipment to Sri Lanka
Colombo, July 13
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha and Sri Lanka's Minister of Health's secretary, Anil Jasinghe, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an Indian grant to supply state-of-the-art medical equipment to Base Hospital, Deniyaya.
"Partnering for climate-resilient healthcare in India and Sri Lanka. Glad to sign an MoU with the Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr Anil Jasinghe today for a SLR 600M Indian grant to supply state-of-the-art medical equipment to Base Hospital, Deniyaya, in presence of Hon. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa," the High Commissioner wrote on X.
According to the High Commissioner, this grant will equip critical units, including Emergency, Operating Theatres, HDU, and the Special Care Baby Unit, supporting the hospital's relocation to a secure, disaster-resilient zone.
"Part of India's USD 450M rehabilitation package for Sri Lanka's post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery, this initiative underscores India's enduring commitment to a safe and resilient neighbourhood," he highlighted.
Last month, the High Commissioner handed over military equipment to the Sri Lankan Army for their United Nations deployment under a grant of 5.5 million USD.
"Strengthening India-Sri Lanka defence bonds and enhancing operational readiness. Happy to hand over military stores from the Indian Army to the Sri Lankan Army for their UN deployment under a grant of 5.5 million USD. On Sri Lanka's request, India immediately mobilised these equipment for Sri Lanka's UN deployment- a testament to the confidence and trust in our defence relations," the High Commissioner said.
In April as well, India handed over two Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) and safety gear to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, assisting in enhancing the Sri Lanka Coast Guard's capability in near-shore Search and Rescue (SAR).
As part of its continuous humanitarian outreach, India, on April 24, presented two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities under India's 'Aarogya Maitri' initiative.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While humanitarian aid is commendable, I hope this isn't just a geopolitical move. Nepal's experience with India's 'aid' shows we need to focus on building self-reliant neighbors, not just dependency.
Interesting how India is doing more for Sri Lanka's healthcare than some Western countries. The 450M package is significant. Climate-resilient hospitals are needed everywhere these days.
India's Aarogya Maitri and BHISM cubes were a game-changer during COVID. Now this medical equipment grant for cyclone recovery shows we're consistent in being the first responder in our region. 🇮🇳🇱🇰
I appreciate the sentiment, but India should also ensure its own public hospitals are well-equipped before exporting aid. Many rural Indian hospitals lack basic equipment. Just saying.
This is what good diplomacy looks like - giving without expecting immediate returns. The Special Care Baby Unit will save countless lives. Proud of India's Neighbourhood First policy! 😊
Climate change is real. Cyclones are getting worse in the Bay of Bengal. Helping Sri Lanka build disaster-resilient hospitals is investing in regional stability. Good move by MEA.
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