Rs.1.8 billion new hospital launched by Durdans

Ceylon Hospitals Plc, owners of Durdans, recently began work on its second venture, Durdans Medical and Surgical Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd at a total investment of Rs 1.8 billion.

While the existing Durdans Hospital and the Durdans Heart Centre will continue as of now, the separately run economic entity will add 12 floors to a twin block standing alongside the current premises on 70 perches of land. Having purchased the land adjaent to Durdans about four years ago with construction now underway, the new hospital will comprise – a main hospital block and a service block which includes a basement, ground plus 10 floors and an auditorium at penthouse level, according to a company statement. “Private healthcare is undoubtedly rapidly expanding with patients requiring and demanding new technology and modern methodologies to ensure better care,” explained Chairman of Ceylon Hospitals Plc, Ajith Tudawe. “Our new development is simply adding to our portfolio of excellence in healthcare because what we are trying to create is a world class environment in healthcare.”

Durdans Medical and Surgical will include new channeling consultation chambers, extended critical care units, nearly 9,000 sq ft for radiology, five dedicated operating theatres, an addition of 160 new beds including those for critical care, completely dedicated Paediatrics Department equipped with a Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit and a new Gynaecology and Obstetrics department with dedicated wards, labour rooms and NICU.

Laboratory facilities will also be incorporated into the new hospital while the 11th floor will house a lecture theatre and library in order to give both specialists and nursing staff access to new information and concerted training and development.

“With this development, we will be increasing our entire bed capacity by 100%,” Tudawe was quoted as saying.

“We will add a completely new dimension into our core competencies with the addition of a modern orthopaedic facility, neuro-surgery and enhancement of the urology discipline. One other unique feature will be the addition of six ultra modern suites, each about 400 sq. ft, in order to cater to a growing demand.”

The new hospital will be completed through two phases with eight floors ready for occupation by September 30, 2009.