News
The Eye Hospital in a sore situation
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The infrastructure projects at the National Eye Hospital (NEH) have been further delayed due to technical issues and the need to comply with laws and regulations, causing increased inconvenience to elderly patients who visit the hospital daily from all parts of the country.
Last week, concerns were raised about overcrowding and the shortage of lenses for patients scheduled for surgery at the NEH. This issue was also highlighted in a research report published in the International Journal of Current Science Research and Review in 2022, which pointed out that congestion and overcrowding in the Outpatient and Clinic Departments of the NEH were more prominent in the morning than in the afternoon.
Patients face inconvenience. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Accordingly, the same issue raised today was addressed in detail, and among the suggestions were measures to minimise overcrowding in the OPD, Clinic, and A&E departments. It was proposed that a public addressing system and clear direction and information boards be established to guide patients efficiently.
It was also highlighted that introducing a computerised registration system with patient identification numbers would help reduce waiting times. Strengthening eye care services in peripheral hospitals and implementing a proper referral system to higher levels of care would help reduce the patient load at the National Eye Hospital. An appointment system should also be introduced to manage patient visits effectively, allowing entry only at scheduled times. In addition, waiting areas should be expanded to accommodate at least 1,000 seats, with separate seating for patients requiring eye dilation.
When The Sunday Times inquired about the congestion and lens shortage issue raised last week, Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, Director of the NEH, firmly rejected the claims regarding a shortage of lenses. He stated that there are sufficient standard lenses available for all patients, but delays may occur in certain cases where consultants request special types of lenses.
When asked about the proposed development project, Dr. Bandara said, “There is a Ministry-approved plan to upgrade the clinic system, expand operating theatres, and improve facilities. However, implementation has been delayed for nearly a year due to technical and administrative issues, mainly technical evaluations, engineer and architect approvals, financial regulations, and obtaining reports such as soil and concrete tests. We can’t proceed without those. If we do, the staff could be held responsible for financial or construction failures.”
However, the Sunday Times learned that such prolonged administrative and technical delays ultimately result in greater hardship for elderly patients across the country.
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