Government or private hospital model ? COPE demands urgent decision on KDU Hospital

Newswire reports that the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), led at the meeting by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, reviewed General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Hospital’s management and operations. The agenda included Auditor General reports for 2023 and 2024 and a review of the institution’s current performance.

Newswire says COPE instructed the authorities to promptly settle whether the hospital should be run as a public-sector or private-sector facility. The committee raised concerns that wards, operating theatres and intensive care units were not being adequately used, although the hospital has capacity for over 800 beds. It also pointed to shortages among medical officers and other health workers, and warned that unresolved issues could grow worse.

Newswire reports that COPE considered repayment of overseas loans used to build the hospital, along with shortcomings in financial and administrative oversight. The committee called for better use of facilities and public funds, action on staffing constraints, and revisions to the KDU Act intended to improve the university’s governance and administration.

Newswire reports that the hospital suffered an estimated loss of Rs. 8.44 million after 2,199 metres of copper strips from its lightning-protection system were stolen in incidents reported in 2022 and 2023. COPE also questioned whether aluminium cabling installed as a substitute met applicable technical and safety requirements.