UN-Habitat, in collaboration with KOICA, has successfully completed the renovation of one of the Field Maternal and Child Health Centre (FMCHC) in Ramalankenthurai which comes under the purview of Hanguranketha MOH Division and Hanguranketha DS Division. This facility is now equipped with a continuous water supply. The momentous handing over of the renovated Ramalankenthurai FMCHC was held on 09^th of Jan 2024 with the participation of Asst. Divisional Secretary, Hanguranketha, MoH, Hanguranketha, UN-Habitat Staff, well-wishers, and large numbers of beneficiaries.

The renovation of the FMCHC was undertaken by Rammalankanthurai Grama Sanvardhana Samithiya with the technical guidance of UN-Habitat technical team. It is noteworthy that the renovation of was successfully completed within seven months, thanks to the in-kind contribution from the community. The renovation of the FMCHC was designed with special features that include waiting areas, privacy for lactating mothers, patient examination area and continuous uninterrupted water supply facilitated by overhead tanks with handwashing facilities. The renovated FMCHC is intended to serve a total of 2,021 beneficiaries with the segregation of 909 males and 1,109 females encompassing extended family members. The responsibility for maintenance will be undertaken by MOH, Hanguranketha ensuring the proper care and upkeep of the facilities.

S.L. Anver Khan, Deputy Project Manager, UN-Habitat said that the extensive renovation of forty-seven (47) Field Maternal and Child Health Centres (FMCHC) marks a transformative stride in healthcare delivery, addressing critical facets of infrastructure, capacity, and patient experience. Through meticulous partitioning and extension within the existing buildings, these health facilities are poised to accommodate a burgeoning patient load, enhancing their capacity to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.  The upgraded infrastructure not only fosters organizational efficiency but also prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of patients during consultations and treatments.  This creates a conducive and modern environment that not only improves the overall patient experience but also instills confidence and trust in the healthcare system.

Dr. B.G.K.C.J Kumari, MOH, Hnaguranketha briefed that the “concurrent focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities represents a pivotal steps towards ensuring a hygienic and safe healthcare environment. By investing in improved WASH facilities, the renovated FMCHCs not only contribute to infection prevention but also prioritize the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers.” These upgraded facilities extend beyond the immediate healthcare setting, positioning the FMCHCs as community health hubs. Beyond medical services, they have become centres for health education and awareness campaigns, fostering community empowerment and active participation in healthcare initiatives. This holistic approach, combined with long term cost savings and a positive impact on materials and child health indicators, underscores the enduring benefits of this comprehensive healthcare infrastructure revitalization initiative. Funded by KOICA, UN-Habitat is going to renovate a total of 47 FMCHCs, including this Rammalankanthurai FMCHC.