ACT has received a sizable donation from Johanniter, a humanitarian organization with a special focus on medical relief. These funds have already been allocated for specific medicines and medical requirements, as specified by the affected hospitals.
One major issue in the camps is sanitation. This leads to further medical problems so ACT is trying to support the responsible authorities with waste management. To that end ACT has facilitated access for 3R Asia (a LIRNEasia program) to make two visits to the camps.
On their latest visit they delivered cleaning supplies, and are also working with the local authorities to roster much needed staff to manage the extraordinary amount of garbage. Their reports are available from the 3R site.
Management of solid waste in the Manic farm IDP camp is a challenge faced by the Vavuniya urban council. If not managed properly, solid waste can bring about a variety of problems especially in a sensitive environment with a high population density with minimal facilities.
In a bid to assist the local governments who has to bear brunt of solid waste management in the IDP camps, a waste management team from Balangoda urban council headed by the council chairman Mr. Nimal Weerasinghe visited Manic farm IDP camp yesterday on a fact finding mission. During the visit discussions were held with Mr. S. Achchutan, ACLG Northern province, Mr. Galigamuwa, Camp manager Zone 2 and Dr. Herath (MOH) IDP camp. (First visit)
LIRNEAsia facilitated a visit to Zone 2 to introduce a recycler and an Effective Microbes (EM) expert to personnel handing waste within IDP camps. In Block 19 in Zone 1 We met with three IDPs who have previously worked in local authorities in Palavi, Mulaitivu, and Jaffna, and a Grama niladari who is now a Grama Niladari for division 19 in zone 2. These IDP officials were keen to learn how to manage their waste better. There are 347 families in Block 19 and one kitchen and 24 toilets. The block was well maintained by the young and enthusiastic Grama Niladari, Mr. Kulasingam.
Ms. Darshini demonstrated how a solution of EM can be used to reduce smells and flies from kitchen waste water . Since the EM solution takes time to act and the impermeable soil conditions at Menic Farm require that these pits are emptied every 2-3 days, the tam decided that EM technology is not appropriate for Menic Farm. Mr. Ilias inspteced the condition for the economic feasibility of buying inorganic waste such as plastics, inspected, paper, glass and metal from residents for recycling and concluded that he would like to do a trial in Zone 2.
Preparations are underway for personnel from Balangoda and other LGAs to visit with and assist Solid waste personnel in Chettikulam PS and IDP (Second Visit)
The conditions at the above hospital seemed to have improved when visited on, 18th June. The number of patients had reduced to 1000. The number of patients keep fluctuating, as a result of patients needing isolation; being brought in from the IDP Camps, on a regular basis. Similarly they are discharged once the disease has run its course. The hospital seemed more organised due to the number of patients being almost halved, at the time. Our delivery of medicine was much appreciated. Act could help by replenishing medicines on request by the Doctor in charge.
Dr. Vijayakumar, who was handling all these patients single-handedly, has been having a visiting doctor from Vavuniya, to help him, Still the numbers are too high for two doctors to manage. Getting more relief doctors would be a great help!
There were only two nurses at the time, but they seemed to be managing with some help from Sri Lankan red cross workers. The improvement of the bathing facilities and the building of more toilets, have been undertaken by a citizens group who are presently supplying the hospital with the necessary nutritional foods. They are also in the process of getting the drinking water tested in the hope of getting it purified. For the moment, they have supplied the hospital with large boilers to manage the drinking water.
Next visit is planned for the 6th of July. Dr. Vijayakumar, will forward ACT a list of required medicines closer to the date.
Fifty sets of External Fixators were delivered to the above hospital. These are used on amputees so they can accept artificial limbs at a later date.
At the time of delivery we met up with Dr. Bhavani Pasupothyrajah to get an update on the present situation.
The number of patients were down to a 1000 on that day. However she mentioned that the disease pattern had changed completely. She reported types of encephalitis, respiratory infections and a few cases of meningitis. This calls for different types of medicines and she has supplied ACT with a new list of required medicines. We at ACT, are currently purchasing these medicines under advisement of Professor Sheriffdeen. Some should be delivered this Sunday.
The team finished their visit to Menik Farm and Cheddikulam and a full report and proposal will be released soon. Both areas can be supplied with medicine and equipment, as well as liquid nutrition.
Moving onto Phase 2, ACT is also beginning to explore options in terms of shelter, education and water and sanitation. There is a garbage situation due to overcrowding and the camps are now expanding into zones 5 and 6. Those, in turn, need medical support. ACT is looking into how it can help with the sanitation issues.
We are also looking into supporting some of the orphans in Zone Four, especially with education.
This will be detailed in the upcoming report and proposal
ACT is mounting another toy drive for kids in the north. Based on our experience with the first delivery we’re focusing more on interactive toys, things kids can use to play together.
Our volunteer Annika has arranged for wholesale pricing from Bambino’s on Galle Road. You can contribute by either dropping of toys at the address below or contacting 0777 686 787 to arrange a donations.
Note that ACT is transporting toys in addition to urgent medical supplies because many children are affected and they need hope as well as medicines.
| Carrom board with seeds small | 500.00 |
| Carrom board with seeds medium | 725.00 |
| Carrom board with seeds large | 1,550.00 |
| Badminton sets medium quality steel | 310.00 |
| Badminton sets good quality steel | 500.00 |
| Badminton sets wooden | 150.00 |
| Soccer ball normal quality | 380.00 |
| Tennis balls (pack of 3) | 200.00 |
| Cricket bat, Size 1 + 2 | 130.00 |
| Cricket bat, Size 3 + 4 | 150.00 |
| Colouring in book | 70.00 – 200.00 |
| Crayons 24 pcs | 50.00 |
| Colour pencils | 40.00 |
| Soothers (per dozen) | 415.00 |
| Small car | 25.00 |
| Flute | 20.00 |
| Small doll | 20.00 |
| Skipping rope | 60.00 |
| Beach ball Large | 60.00 |
| Squeaky toys | 75.00 |
| Rattles | 30.00 |
| Car | 65.00 |
| Puzzles | 45.00 – 95.00 |
| Pencil box | 65.00 |
| Rattle ball soft | 95.00 |
ACT Lanka now has access to hospitals Cheddikulam and Menik Farm. After three deliveries to Padaviya (transit hospital) and Vavuniya (regional hospital) is now able to provide relief directly to the camps. The need of Sri Lankan war survivors right now is urgent and we hope you can help us make the most of this access. The proposal is now available (PDF).
Next Tuesday Professor Sheriffdeen and a team are visiting the area to see what is needed. They will be taking one lorry worth of medical items, including four surge modules. Surge modules are kits which provide the basics for 10 doctors to operate on 2,000 patients.
Meanwhile we are urgently raising funds and procuring needed items based on the list in the attached proposal. Pending the needs assessment we will procure more and could use your support. Anyone in Sri Lanka can make a donation at any NDB branch and anyone internationally can make a wire transfer. There are more details on our Donate page.
This access is rare and we hope to make the most of it. The Phase 1, Part 3 proposal is attached below:
These are the inventories of goods delivered to Vavuniya and Padaviya. These are inventoried and checked by the receiving doctors at each hospital. You can see the same in the Padaviya video above.
| Vavuniya – Packing List | |||
| Item | Box | Description | Units per box |
| Mattresses | 1 Box | Water Mattresses | 9 per box |
| Mattresses | 12 | Regular mattresses | Loose |
| Medical equipment | 1 Box | Bed pans | 13 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 Box | Cervical Collars | 50 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 unit | CT Scanner | 1 unit |
| Medical equipment | 9 units | Latex Foley catheters | 7 units |
| Medical equipment | 3 Boxes | Medex Nebiluzers | 1 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 Boxes | Pulse oxometer | 1 per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor | 71 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor | 21 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor & Nespray | 60 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Ceralic stage 1 | 20 cartons per box |
| Milk | 2 Boxes | Ceralic stage 3 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 11 Boxes | Lactogen 1 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Lactogen 1 & 2 | 7 lacton 1 & 12 lacton 2 |
| Milk | 12 Boxes | Lactogen 2 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Lactogen 2 | 32 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Nespray | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Nespray | 21 cartons per box |
| Milk | 3 Boxes | Pediasure | 24 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Boxes | Pediasure | 35 cartons per box |
| Pillows | 200 units | Pillows | 200 pillows |
| Clothing | 14 boxes | Clothing | |
| Mattresses | 60 units | Foldable mattresses | Loose |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Febrex paracetamol | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Solvin Plus | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Cetrizine hydrochloric syrup | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Tuspel Hydrochloric acid | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Diovol antiacid | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Bone wax | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Ciprokin, panadol, disprin | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Meporefilm & gloves | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Losartan pottasium acid | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Cetrizine hydrochloric syrup | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Cotton bandages, cotton wool & baby blankets | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Catheter / Asthalator / K-Furox |
Padaviya
| Padeviya – Packing List | |||
| Item | Box | Description | Units per box |
| Clothing | 18 boxes | Clothing | |
| General Items | 1 Box | Medicines, sanitary napkins, jeevanie | |
| General Items | 1 Box | Sanitary napkins & water bottles | |
| Linen | 200 units | Sheets | |
| Mattresses | 42 units | Foldable mattresses | Loose |
| Mattresses | 18 units | Regular mattresses | Loose |
| Mattresses | 40 units | Sleeping mattresses | Loose |
| Mattresses | 1 Box | Water mattresses | 08 per box |
| Mattresses | 1 Box | Water mattresses | 03 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 Box | Bed pans | 12 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 Box | Cervical collars | 50 units |
| Medical equipment | 4 units | Embolectum catheters | |
| Medical equipment | 1 Box | Face masks | |
| Medical equipment | 6 units | Latex Foley catheters | |
| Medical equipment | 2 Boxes | Medex Nebulizer | 1 per box |
| Medical equipment | 1 unit | Patient scanner | |
| Medical equipment | 4 Units | Patient stretchers | Loose |
| Medical equipment | 3 Box | Pulse oxometer | 1 per box |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Bandages (100), cotton wool (50) | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Cetrizine hydrochloric syrup | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Ciprind, ciprolax etc | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Diovol antiacid | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Fedrex paracetamol | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Iburomine etc | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Mesorb & Meblex | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Metfarmin tablets | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Peditral packs, sweets, jeevanie | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Solvin plus | |
| Medicines | 1 Box | Zyltan, arvind, tramadol | |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor 1+ | 14 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor 1+ | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Anchor 1+ | 22 cartons per box |
| Milk | 2 Boxes | Anchor 3+ | 15 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Ceralic stage 1 | 24 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Ceralic stage 3 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 7 Boxes | Lactogen 1 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 1 Box | Lactogen 1 | 41 cartons per box |
| Milk | 7 Boxes | Lactogen 2 | 36 cartons per box |
| Milk | 11 Boxes | Nespray | 40 cartons per box |
| Milk | 3 Boxes | Pediasure | 24 tins per box |
| Milk | 2 Boxes | Pediasure | 24 cartons per box |
| Pillows | 124 units | Pillows | 124 pillows |
On arrival at Vavuniya Hospital, it was found that there were 2000 patients. According to the doctor they are equipped to handle 400 patients. The number of doctors has increased to eighty at present. The hospital was expecting 1000 additional patients the same night. To create space for the new arrivals, they needed to discharge around 850 patients. When patients are discharged, they are reluctant to leave the hospital premises. In this confusion the doctors are not sure who the discharged patients are.
The hospital is so overcrowded, that wherever possible; the wards are being expanded. There is a new section that is being built at present but will take some time to complete. There are people in every bit of space they can find along the sides of the corridors leading to the wards, even on the retention walls of the drains.
The wards that were visited seemed orderly despite the mayhem. An additional pediatric ward has been created, for malnourished kids. Malnourishment is rife amongst adults and children alike. Most of the patients are suffering from pneumonia according to the doctor.
The two contagious diseases that are being dealt with are Chickenpox and Hepatitis A. These patients are together in a separate section due to lack of space. The patients with Chickenpox are contracting Hepatitis A, and vice-versa.
Their stores seemed to have only about, quarter of the space occupied by medicines on arrival. However, after the ACT delivery the rest of the space was utilised. This included the mattresses, linen, pillows, milk food, cereals etc.
The doctor was very happy with the ‘ACT members’, personal contribution of chocolates and coffee, to be shared by all the doctors. Unfortunately they don’t seem to have a common room at their disposal, for their breaks (if they do have time for it!). The present ‘common room’, seems to be a demarcated lobby area, where there is a couch for them to get some rest! Therefore, it was a great ‘thank you’, for the remarkable job being done, under stressful conditions.
Above is the video documentation of the trip and below is a photo gallery. This is of Padaviya, Vavuniya documentation will be added shortly.
ACT members present
Accompanied by 2 lorry loads, 2 drivers including 1 Supervisor provided by the Medical Supplies Division, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.
Contact person Padaviya District Hospital
Dr. Mahinda Uyangoda
District Medical Officer
The two ACT teams traveling to Vavuniya and Padaviya Hospitals separated at Medawachchiya check point. The lorries were thoroughly checked for approximately two and a half hours following which the teams went their separate ways.
Upon arrival the general atmosphere of the hospital was very quite; there were no persons/families settled outside nor were there any new patients being brought in. Very evident was the large stock of government provided medicine boxes piled up in the corridors as well as ongoing construction work at the site.
Dr. Uyangoda was available in his office and immediately requested staff to ready the wards and army personnel to grant us permission to visit the factory where patients with minor injuries and their families had been settled. District Hospital staffs were requested to ready themselves to assist us with unloading the lorries.
Dr. Uyangoda welcomed us in to his office and gave us a general overview of the current situation at the hospital. He stated that things had drastically changed within the last two days; the government had provided large quantities of very basic medicines required and was upgrading the hospital through major renovations.
At present the hospital had 300 patients with the capacity to host another 100. In total 3 surgeons, 15 doctors, 60 nurses and 70 minor staff were based at the location.
Dr. Uyangoda was very pleased with the donation of medicines provided by Heart to Heart. He stated that Padaviya Hospital was currently overstocked with basic medicines in order to manage well but did not have anything extra to treat for example fungal skin conditions, the latest outbreak very apparent in children being Scabies.
Examining the inventories Dr. Uyangoda decided on sending excess toys and clothes to the factory where the need was more apparent. He was very particular about ensuring that each item inventoried was delivered especially with regard to expensive medical equipment. He was overjoyed to receive the ultrasound scanner (which they did not have), foldable as well as water mattresses which he said would be extremely useful for his patients. Concerning the large stock of milk he said there is a huge need for high energy food and drink at the factory where he would advise army personnel to distribute according to how they normally do.
The MOH drivers, Padaviya hospital nurses and ACT members unloaded the lorry. Dr. Uyangoda requested that the person in charge of medicines and inventories assists us. As a time consuming matter he suggested that the Heart to Heart medicines are checked at a later stage, he promised to sign and seal the list and fax ACT as well as MOH a copy of it. The majority of toys, all foldable mattresses and most of the milk powder were separated for the factory by which time permission was granted for us to visit.
Dr. Uyangoda suggested that we move on to visiting the wards while distributing toys.
Everything was in order and several beds had been made vacant at the time of visit as Padaviya hospital serves as a transfer hospital, once patients stabilize they are bussed out to make room for the next ones coming in. Roughly 20% of the patients that come in are in critical condition, the rest have minor wounds. At any given time Padaviya hosts 200 patients in addition another 100 local patients were on site. When IDP buses come in the total number will swell to around 500 patients. As soon as the patients stabilize they are sent across to one of five hospitals depending on the availability of space (GH Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Base Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Vavuniya Hospital or Mannar).
The toys were a huge hit with the children, the number one request among the toys that we had were for cars, even among the girls (many wanted to exchange an initial toy for a car if at all possible). In discussion with the ACT team it was recommended to send in toys again. The people really lit up when the box was opened. More importantly next time if possible toys that spark more social involvement and interaction among the children should be included i.e. cricket bats, soccer balls etc. space in the factory field for this type of activity was available and ongoing.
The factory though not so well maintained as the hospital had an almost full ward of females including a few new born babies. The general impression is that the level of hygiene is poor due to so many flies on the infants and very dirty toilets. Scabies was very apparent in many, Dr. Uyangoda pointed out many children with this skin condition. The men’s ward was rather empty upon our arrival they were all smiles. It was nice to see two of them enjoying a nice game of chess. Our visit at the factory was short as we had to get to Medawachchiya before 6.00p.m in time for road closure. We observed if could be said a lot of happiness amongst the children in the factory field engaged in a serious game of cricket. Therefore it is suggested that equipment for group activity is sent in the next delivery.
Dr. Uyangoda stated that he would be in touch with us about specific medicines, equipment and any other items required by the hospital. He sincerely together with the nurses thanked us for the gift items and our visit.
