Location of the Project: -
Habaraduwa, Thalpe, Galle District, Sri Lanka

Needs Assessment Survey
A needs assessment survey was conducted by SED Galle animators in June 2007 to collect information from individuals/families regarding their health, diseases, hygienic conditions, type of medical assistance required, etc.  Out of  4,046 families, 272 families were randomly selected from 14 GN divisions in Habaraduwa.  According to the survey, properties of 119 families were damaged and 6 people lost their lives due to the tsunami. Most of the individuals/families do not currently seek treatments for their ailments/diseases as there are no medical facilities available close-by.  Finally, it was revealed that 94% of the families interviewed expressed a need to have a medical centre in their neighbourhood.

Project Description
In July 2006, Caritas SED Galle submitted a proposal to Caritas Coreana to build a health centre.  The proposal was accepted and Caritas SED Galle started construction of the community medical health care centre in January 2007 and completed it in July 2007. The objective was to deliver safe, high quality patient care to enrich the health and well-being of people in the Habaraduwa area.

Objective
The objective of the medical centre is to keep individuals and families in good health. Residents will have access to basic health care and a range of other health-related services within their own neighborhood. A focus on health promotion and prevention of diseases and management is designed to improve the health and well-being of local residents. It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents by:

  • Encouraging people to actively participate in their own health care
  • Supporting residents by working together with other primary health care providers such as general practitioners
  • Liaising with other health agencies and service providers to fill any gaps in services
  • Encouraging individuals and community groups to actively participate in the centre’s activities including voluntary work.
  • Promoting prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions
  • Developing health care programs and activities to improve the social and physical environments in the community.
  • Counseling and support services
  • Health promotion activities including health education programs
  • Medical, nursing and dental assistance
  • Maternal and child health

Construction of the Medical Centre

The ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone took place on January 19, 2007 with Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, the Bishop of Galle, and the participation of priests and other religious leaders.  Construction activities began immediately after, in order to complete the construction by the middle of June 2007.  However, due to the Sinhala/Buddhist New Year Festival in April and heavy rains, the opening ceremony was delayed until July 6th, 2007.

Ceremonial Opening of the Community Health Medical Centre

The medical centre was opened in a ceremony on July 26th, 2007 by Very Rev. Fr Michael Chang-jun Lee, the National Director of Caritas Coreana together with Rev. Fr. Park Ki-heum (Thomas), Rev. Fr. Hyunwoo Doh (Anthony), Miss Stella KOH with the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, The Bishop of Galle, Very Rev. Fr. Nihal Nanayakkara, the Vicar-General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, the National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, Fr. Damian Arsakularatne, Director of Caritas SED Galle , Priests, Religious Sisters, Inter-Religious Leaders, Hon. A. P. Piyasiri, Provincial Minister of Health, Hon. Bandupala Abeykoon, Chairman of Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Chandima Weerakkodi, Chairman of  Mortgage Bank Mr. Liyanage, Provincial Coordinator, the Caritas SED Galle staff together with MOH staff, beneficiaries and villagers.
Last updated -2007/11/27
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