The Ministry of Health states that the “Eye Clinic Digitalisation Project” at the Seeduwa Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital, which provides national-level services for eye diseases, was officially launched today (04) to enhance the efficiency and quality of treatment services at the hospital’s eye clinic.

The project, implemented under the direct supervision and guidance of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, was ceremonially inaugurated under the patronage of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

A financial donation of Rs. 3 million was made by hospital board member Neil Umagiliya to facilitate the digitalisation of the hospital’s eye unit, enabling the establishment of the new system.

The Ministry noted that a six-month pilot project had also been conducted at the eye clinic to provide practical training to hospital staff before the official launch.

Marking the commencement of the initiative, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga inspected the progress, current operations, and wards of the eye clinic.

The Ministry further stated that, with the support of the World Health Organisation, a national programme to digitalise Sri Lanka’s overall healthcare system is currently being implemented.

Through the newly introduced system at the Seeduwa Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital, eye patients will now be able to receive faster and more efficient treatment without having to wait in long queues.

One of the key features of the initiative is the management of patient data and medical records through a computerised digital system (app).

The Ministry added that the use of modern digital technology is also expected to improve the quality of eye care services, including cataract surgeries and treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

As part of the digitalisation process, all divisions related to eye care services at the hospital — including patient registration, patient data management, clinical reporting, and medicine dispensing systems — have been incorporated into the digital platform.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Acting Hospital Director Dr. D. G. A. Ranaweera, specialist doctors attached to the eye unit, and hospital staff.