The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, assured that funds have been allocated to resolve the long-standing wastewater drainage issue at Mallavi Base Hospital. He further stated that arrangements would be made to provide transport facilities to convey medical waste to Mankulam for incineration.
The Governor undertook a direct inspection visit to Mallavi Base Hospital this Wednesday evening (18 February 2026) to assess its operations and requirements.
During the visit, he personally inspected the hospital’s Renal Treatment Unit, Emergency Treatment Unit, and wards. He also examined deficiencies in the wastewater drainage canal, roof leakages in the Emergency Treatment Unit during the rainy season, and shortcomings in the hostel facilities for nursing officers and medical staff.
Subsequently, a discussion was held with members of the Patients’ Welfare Association, doctors, and nursing officers. During the meeting, attention was drawn to the absence of internal access roads within the hospital premises, shortages of medical equipment, the urgent need for an ambulance, and administrative difficulties arising from the frequent transfers of Medical Superintendents.
The Regional Director of Health Services for Mullaitivu stated that although Mallavi Hospital had been upgraded to a Base Hospital, staffing levels had not been increased accordingly. He pointed out that one of the existing doctors currently has to serve as the Medical Superintendent due to staff shortages.
The Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Health – Northern Province noted that, following a special request by the Governor, cadre reviews have been conducted by the Department of Management Services in the Northern Province for the first time in 13 years. Based on these reviews, there is a possibility that staff numbers will be increased in the near future.
Responding to the requests, the Governor confirmed that funds have been allocated to address the wastewater drainage issue. He further stated that ambulances have been requested from the Central Government and, once received, they will be distributed on a priority basis to underserved areas. In addition, he assured that other infrastructure facilities of the hospital will be upgraded under the project aimed at improving services of Base Hospitals, implemented with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
Participants at the discussion included the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Health – Northern Province, the Mullaitivu District Secretary, the Thunukkai Divisional Secretary, the Regional Director of Health Services – Mullaitivu, the Hon. Chairman of the Mullaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha, the Medical Superintendent, doctors, nursing officers and members of the Patients’ Welfare Association.
