The cardiology treatment unit at Kandy National Hospital experienced severe disruptions throughout the day due to a power outage.
The incident unfolded as follows:
Today (18) morning, power had to be disconnected due to smoke leakage from an underground section of the unit. Officials from the Electricity Board and the hospital’s electricity supply unit collaborated to repair the affected section, with the work ongoing until 12 noon. Electricity was restored from noon to 4 pm, allowing for the resumption of operations. However, another instance of smoke leakage from a different underground section occurred after 4 pm, leading to another disruption in the heart treatment unit. As of 9 pm, electricity in the unit remained disconnected, and repair efforts were underway, involving more than twenty-five individuals.
According to Dr. Iresha Fernando, the hospital’s director, the power outage was caused by a fault in the main electricity supply system, specifically within an underground drainage system.
Despite these challenges, the hospital has taken measures to ensure that patients continue to receive treatment without hindrance. Contingency plans for emergencies have also been established. The director mentioned that electricity could potentially be restored at any moment.
