Army-Established Laboratory Near Negombo Hospital Premises Popular

The Army-established medical laboratory near the Negombo Hospital premises for free screening of blood samples for Dengue have so far tested blood of more than 1500 civilians who volunteered, Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) said on Thursday (6).

The Army with the support of Navy personnel with funds, provided by the Presidential Secretariat within a matter of 2 - 3 days erected this makeshift laboratory to assist medical authorities at the Negombo Hospital as incidence of Dengue has dramatically increased in the areas.

HE the President during a sudden visit he made recently to the Negombo Hospital found that facilities for Dengue patients were not adequate and requested Army support for enhancement of laboratory and ward facilities. Promptly responding, Army and Navy Commanders within a matter of 3 - 4 days set up two extra wards in the premises and instructed Corps of Engineer Services (CES) and SLAMC troops to take necessary action and equip the wards with medical accessories, nurses and all other paraphernalia as soon as possible.

The opening of a separate laboratory took place immediately after construction of the two new wards. The unit has become popular as more and more civilians with symptoms of fever were now seeking the free of charge service on a daily basis.