DURING the recent WANNI humanitarian operation that ended on 19th May inflicting a crushing defeat to the LTTE with its leaders killed by the Army, many Army soldiers were injured in confrontations as well as clearing operations. Minor injuries were attended to at field hospital level while others who needed further treatments and urgent surgeries were brought down to Colombo.
As the casualty figure rose due to intensified battles, Army hospital sought the assistance of other hospitals such as Kalubovila, Jayawardanepura and the National Hospital which acceded the Army hospital’s request on priority basis since all could not be accommodated in the Army hospital.
However, in the cause of time, considering the inconvenience caused to ordinary patients, Army brought back many injured soldiers except a few special cases. Those who were recommended to receive medical treatment at home were discharged and instructed to attend medical clinics on doctors’ advice.
Army hospital, on some days, finds the place congested due to presence of Officers and Other Ranks waiting consultations and treatments but no patient is removed from the hospital until they are fit to be discharged even during visits of VIPs or Senior Officers as one media website claimed in one of its recent reports.
Authorities at the Army hospital, while categorically denying that report, assure the dignity of each and every soldier who sustained injuries or even sacrificed limbs for a lasting peace and the territorial integrity of the motherland.
