Post-operative care for the war wounded in Sri lanka

18 year old Ramachandra was wounded on 8th January and underwent amputations at a hospital in the Vanni. She was evacuated by ICRC ambulance to the main hospital in Vavuniya eight days later. The young woman is missing her left hand, left leg and half of her right foot. Without post operative care and physiotherapy she could remain bedridden for the rest of her life.

Ramachandra is currently hospitalized in the Pompaimadhu Ayurvedic Hospital close to Vavuniya. Unlike other hospitals in the area, which have been flooded with patients, the Pompaimadhu Hospital appears a haven. No wounded patients lie on mats on the floor and there are no ambulance traffic jams at the hospital entrance. Lots of wheel chairs and crutches donated by Handicap International are placed alongside the beds. At least 30 patients in the hospital have one or more amputations, whilst another twenty-five people are paralyzed. Up to 200 patients receive post operative care here that can include small surgery and physiotherapy. Read more ...