Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan visited Mannar District Hospital and inspected the conditions of the hospital on Thursday evening (28.08.2025) and had discussions with the Patient Welfare Association.
The meeting with the Governor was held at the Mannar Urban Council as per the request of the Mannar District General Hospital Patient Welfare Association. The Hon. Chairman of the Mannar Urban Council and the Mannar District Secretary were also present in this meeting.
The Patient Welfare Association pointed out that the Mannar District Hospital had not been taken into consideration even during the time of the Provincial Council and has continued to be neglected since thenThey noted that no development work has been carried out for a very long time, and even the projects that were originally intended for Mannar Hospital have been diverted to other hospitals. They also pointed out to the Governor the lack of permanent medical specialists and the many unfilled staff vacancies. They emphasized that, although the hospital was upgraded from a base hospital to a district hospital, there has been no corresponding increase in staff, and as a result, the institution continues to be neglected. They expressed their view that if the hospital were brought under the administration of the Central Government, it would be able to secure both development and adequate staffing. They further requested that urgent attention be paid to this matter, as it directly concerns the lives of the people.
The Governor stated that he has never neglected the Mannar Hospital since assuming office and pointed out that additional funds have in fact been allocated to both the Mullaitivu and Mannar District Hospitals. He further noted that the shortage of staff is not an issue unique to the Mannar District Hospital, emphasizing that even the Jaffna Teaching Hospital has unfilled positions and has yet to undergo a cadre review. The Governor also highlighted that 33 hospitals in the Northern Province currently have vacancies for nurses, and assured that continuous requests are being made to fill existing staff shortages, with the government taking a positive stance on the matter.
Furthermore, the Governor also informed that the Indian Consul has informed that a medical unit will be set up at the Mannar District Hospital with financial assistance from the Indian Government.
After this, the Governor personally visited the Mannar District Hospital, where the hospital director highlighted the shortcomings of the institution. The Governor assured that he would take note of the hospital’s needs and pledged to convene the relevant parties next month to discuss the development activities that could be undertaken with the financial allocations of the Provincial Council.
