RATNAPURA: The Sabaragamuwa Province Health Minister said that the French government has come forward to help develop estate hospitals in the province. This was in response to a request made by the chief minister Maheepala Herath. The French government will release 500 million rupees to rehabilitate hospitals in the first phase.

Already estate hospitals on Dumbara estate, Palamcotta estate, Madampe estate and Rassagala estate in the Ratnapura district and Maliboda estate in the Kegalle district have been earmarked for rehabilitation. The development of these hospitals will be completed within the year, the Minister said.

These hospitals will be electrified, provided with water service and other facilities and the roads to the hospitals will be electrified, provided with water service and other facilities and the roads to the hospitals will be repaired, he said.

A discussion took place at Dumbara estate hospital participated by the Chief Minister Maheepala Herath, Governor Regie Ranathunga, Director of the project from France Kely Atten, Manager Provision, Jack Roth, Superintendent of Health Services Dr. Kapila Kannangara and his deputy Dr. Dangalla.