The Ragama Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, the country’s leading and largest institution specializing in the treatment of patients with physical disabilities, and the Ministry of Science and Technology have taken steps to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the hospital’s technological development.
A discussion in this regard was held yesterday at the Ministry of Science and Technology under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena.
Following an inspection visit to the hospital by the Minister, who also serves as the Chairman of the Gampaha District Health Committee, it was decided that the Ministry of Science and Technology would extend the necessary technical support and consultancy services for the development of essential medical equipment, machinery, and patient care systems at the hospital.
Accordingly, a team of experts from institutions affiliated with the Ministry carried out a detailed technical evaluation of the hospital’s ongoing activities in areas such as organ replacement design, industrial equipment manufacturing, and the work of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Training School.
Based on this evaluation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, led by the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, in collaboration with the Faculty of Technology, University of Kelaniya, and the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, have agreed to establish a strong technological partnership through shared responsibilities.
The planned activities include modernizing existing medical equipment using advanced technological and engineering methods, introducing high-grade materials, improving production systems, providing technical training and capacity development for staff, and establishing a joint research and development (R&D) unit for collaborative innovation.
Expected outcomes of this initiative include increased production capacity and efficiency, local availability of affordable and high-quality wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and assistive devices, the creation of a skilled and innovative hospital workforce, reduced dependency on imported rehabilitation equipment, strengthened R&D collaborations, and the establishment of a lasting partnership between the healthcare and engineering sectors.
An action plan will be prepared with the participation of both parties, followed by submission for Cabinet approval, after which the MoU will be formally signed.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Professor Chrishantha Abeysena emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the quality of life of patients through technological advancement. He further stated that these objectives can be effectively achieved through the proposed Medical Research Center, which will be established under the leadership of the Ministry.
The event was attended by Mr. Mohamed Navavi, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology; Dr. Chandragupta Ranasinghe, Director of the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital; Professor Chandana Jayaratne, Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute; Dr. Jayathu Samarawickrama, Director General of the NERD Institute, and several other officials.
