PWA ORGANISES FIRST SPORT DAY IN AID OF PUNGUDITVU DISTRICT HOSPITAL.
Punguditivu District Hospital has served many of our ancestors for many years now and some of you may have been born there and accessed its services as children. For many of our current generation we have come to realise that medical services and facilities are limited. Resources are scarce and we must all join forces to unite and help provide basic medical care to our people in Pungudtivu. With this concept in mind we would like to share information about PWA’s latest fund raising event.
Following a visit to Punguditvu by former PWA president Dr Shanmugalingam in April 2013 it was apparent that Punguditivu General Hospital required a number of medical equipment and aid relief. Under the flagship of PWA,
Dr Shanmugalingam set up a meeting with two doctors at the hospital to ascertain the amount of help that was required by the hospital. He also sought information about how to deliver the medical equipment that was needed and whether any special government documentation was necessary.
The list of medical equipment that was needed by the hospital is given below:
List of Medical equipment required
1.Medical trolleys (3)
2.Spot lamps (3)
3.Electric steriliser (4)
4.Accucheck glucometer (2)
5.Glucometer strips (500)
6. Surgical scissors (12)
7. Artery Forceps (12)
8. Infusion stand (4)
9. Littman Stethoscopes (2)
10. Adjustables beds (3)
11. Induction cooker (3)
12. Water filters (3)
13. Generator (2)
14. Water pumps(1)
15. Pulse oximeter(2)
16. Doppler machine (2)
On his return to England the feasibility of this project was discussed with Dr Sivananthan and it was proposed that an event such as a Sports Day may be beneficial to raise community spirit and raise funds. On a united front both Dr Shanmugalingam and Dr Sivananthan held negotiations with members of PWA and PWA Youth Forum prior to this years annual general meeting about various fundraising activities. It was decided that the best way to raise funds and awareness was to organise the Sports Day in aid of the hospital in collaboration with PWA Youth forum.
The Sports day was held on Saturday 27th July 2013 at the Roger Bannister Sports Centre in Harrow and was attended by many well wishers and friends. The inaugural 100m Mens sprint race was started and blessed by Kurrukal Iyah Shanmuganathan. This was followed by childrens events which included skipping and lime and spoon race. Whilst ladies events included 100m sprint and water bottle race. Other events included Mens 400m relays, football and rounders where age was not a restriction. It was a fun filled family dayout, which was thoroughly enjoyable. Prizes were awarded to those to attained first, second and third places. Food and beverages were donated by well wishers and generous donations were made.
The sports day was a tremendous success and raised funds in excess of £2381.32
Plans and negotiations are still underway to allow the delivery of goods to the hospital. Dr Shanmuglingam has since been in touch with Dr Ketheswaran ,deputy director of health services in Jaffna… in Sri Lanka to seek official clearance. Currently this project has been taken over by Sarvothayam in Jaffna and Mr Murugananthaval in Colombo to ensure safe delivery of these medical items to Punguditivu Hospital.
On behalf the PWA and PWA Youth Forum we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and well wishers. Moreover we hope that you all would be able to grace us with your presence and support in future events. The final amount collected through donations amounted to £5531.32.
The money has been sent to Sri Lanka and are in the process of buying the equipments needed for the Pungudutivu District Hospital
Thank you for your support
Dr S Shanmugalingam & Dr S Sivananthan
Sports day co-ordinators
Pungudutivu Hospital Dr Vimalakanthan & Staff
