Medical Faculty Dons Gift 200 More Pulse Oximeters to Head, NOCPCO

The Dean of the Medical Faculty at University of Colombo Prof. Vajira Dissanayake, giving a further push to the combined SLMA-NOCPCO Home-Management system with the Call Centre for teleconsultations through Helpline 1904 and Doc Call 247 that facilitate the public to communicate their health conditions directly to doctors on call Friday (10) afternoon donated a stock of 200 more pulse oximeters for the use of needy patients under treatment in own homes or elsewhere.

General Shavendra Silva, Head, NOCPCO, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army formally received those oximeters, together with the Director General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunawardene. Pulse Oximeter plays a vital role in the healing process and it has been observed that lack of access to oximeters in time by many due to financial reasons causes serious respiratory issues or even death.

A few days ago, the SLMA took the lead by donating 250 oximeters to the Head, NOCPCO for distribution among needy households. The Helpline 1904 was introduced for initial triage, commencement of treatment and priority evacuation, if necessary in close consultation with the SLMA. The team of doctors working at the Centre further follows up patients who were not immediately evacuated, but still need continuous observation, medication while confined home.

General Shavendra Silva as the Head, NOCPCO acknowledging the gesture thanked the Medical Faculty, University of Colombo and all its members for the donation which would help monitor blood oxygen levels among infected family members under home-based management system.

Dr Asela Gunawardena, Director General Health Services, Prof. Prasad Katulanda and Prof. Ajith Malalasekera were among other representatives who were associated with the occasion on behalf of the Medical Faculty, University of Colombo.

Source: www.army.lk