Sri Lanka expands free cardiac surgery access through new partnership

A new tripartite partnership has been established to expand free cardiothoracic surgery services in Sri Lanka. The agreement, signed on 25 August, involves the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).

The initiative aims to reduce congestion and lengthy waiting lists at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka by utilizing the modern infrastructure and specialized equipment at the KDU Teaching Hospital. Under the memorandum of understanding, specialist doctors and clinical staff from the National Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Unit will perform surgeries at KDU. The Ministry of Health and Mass Media will provide the necessary medicines and medical supplies to facilitate these life-saving treatments.