The women’s ward of Makuddala Government Ayurvedic Hospital has been closed as it has no women nursing staff.

The last woman who served there was transferred to another hospital as she had received a promotion.

The women’s ward, consisting of 14 beds, has been closed for the last 12 months.

The hospital administration said if two female attendants were available services could be resumed.

Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Mahipala Herath admitted that there was a shortage of staff as a result of recruitment being stopped. The Ayurvedha Commissioner should find a solution to this problem.

The hospital had two men’s wards and a women’s ward.

Around 100 to 150 out patients seek treatment daily for various aliments. Some women even visit this hospital for beauty therapy.

A resident in the area said there were patients visiting the hospital for treatment from different areas in the electorate.

By closing the women’s ward the authorities have deprived women of their right to seek residential treatment here, she said.

Nishantha Herath, Pradeshiya Sabha Member from Galigamuwa, said: "Once a month we visit a remote area in the electorate and conduct a medical clinic with the hospital staff. There is an herbal garden in the hospital premises and there are rare medicinal plants.