In anticipation of the influx of people to the Kilinochchi town and its suburbs due to the progress made in the resettlement programme, the government has taken steps to restore all health facilities in Kilinochchi hospital.

The government plans to resettle more than 30,000 Internally Displaced Persons in the area.

Health Ministry spokesman said yesterday (15) the hospital had a bed strength of 275 in the past. However it had only eight beds at present. The Ministry would provide the hospital with 100 more beds and dental and medical equipment for the clinics.

Infrastructural facilities including the electricity supply to the hospital will be re-connected. The Kilinochchi hospital would be provided with one million rupees within this week for re-development needs, he said.

The Minister pledged to seek assistance from the French Government and international organizations for this purpose. At present, the hospital only has one patient warded in it, the spokesman added.