Army transforms abandoned VOA building into a new isolation hospital
April 08, 2020- Accommodates 40 beds, equipped with robotic technology and auto pilot vehicles for safety of medical staff
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) declared open a new isolation hospital equipped with 40 patient beds at Iranawila, Chilaw in the Puttalam district yesterday (April 7).
According to Army media, the abandoned Voice of America building complex was renovated, refurbished and upgraded into a state of art isolation facility for the treatment of coronavirus infected patients in record time of less than two weeks.
The project was initiated following a feasibility assessment site visit made by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Chief of Defence Staff and SLA Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva and Director General Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe.
The project was initiated as an expansionary measure in increasing national capacity in the treatment for COVID-19 infected.
Minister Wanniarachchi and Director General of Health Services, Dr, Jasinghe participated at the inauguration event at the new facility.
In addition, the inclusion of robotic technology for treatment is expected to ensure safety of the medical staff of 34 including 14 doctors at the facility.
Hemas Pvt Ltd and Atlas Company extended their expertise and sponsored the inclusion of robots at the hospital where patients would be provided with meals and other essential medical assistance through a special airtight system even further designed at regulating the air conditioning system.
Troops of the 1 Corps of Engineer Services (CES) under the close supervision of Lt. Col. Asiri Muhandiramge, Commanding Officer, 1 CES completed the task of improvising and preparing the entire building to suit the emergency purpose in less than two weeks, the Army media stated.
The complex is also equipped with sanitary and cooking facilities, rest rooms, pantries, kitchen and other amenities.
