The first of a chain of Hemas Hospitals was officially opened in Wattala on Saturday. This multi specialty hospital would cater specially to the needs of families, said Hemas Hospitals Chairman Murtaza Esufally.

The hospital, built at a cost of Rs. 1.5 billion, was declared open by Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The hospital had its soft opening with limited operations since August this year and has already handled more than 10,000 in-house patients and OPD patients to date.

Hemas Group is among the top conglomerates in Sri Lanka with a focus on five key sectors FMCG, healthcare, transportation, leisure and strategic investments. The hospital’s investors include Hemas Holding Plc, Dilmah, Brandix and the renowned international hospital operator Columbia Asia.

Hemas Hospitals Chairman Murtaza Esufally, said the 100- bed hospital would cater to the medical needs of the entire family.

He added: "We are proud to launch this truly technologically advanced family hospital, built in collaboration with the Columbia Asia Hospital Chain- an international chain of hospitals operating in Malaysia, India, Indonesia and several other Asian countries.

"With our reputed Sri Lankan medical practitioners and trained nursing staff, we are fully geared to provide patient-centric, affordable, high quality health services to the people of the Gampaha district."

He also said the group was in the process of renovating a hospital at a cost of Rs. 500 million in Galle.

The hospital’s Medical Services Director, Dr. Aruna Rabel, said the hospital has adhered to WHO standards in its building designs and practices, as well as in stringent infection control procedures.

He said the hospital also follows British standards of dietetics adhered with food, and standard policies and protocols for patient care.

Dr, Rabel stressed that provisions of high quality and affordable drugs will be ensured by the Drugs and Therapeutic Committee comprised of independent medical specialists.

He added that as a hospital they would give priority for quality treatment.

He said that due to medical negligence, about 44,000 to 90,000 patients suffer, however, Hemas is geared to avoid such negligence.

Director of Private Health Services of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Amal Harsha, praised the Hemas Group for setting up a state of the art multi specialty hospital out of Colombo.