The Asiri Central Heart Centre, on completion of a very successful decade of saving hearts, just launched its paediatric (congenital) cardiothoracic surgery programme. The first Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) surgery was performed on the 25^th of January by Dr. M.S. Mugunthan, (MBBS (Jaf), MD Surgery (Col), MRCS (Eng), MRCSEd), a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon attached to both Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) for Children, Colombo and Asiri Health. Dr. Asitha Dassanayake, (MBBS), (MD) Consultant Anesthetist, provided expert support during the surgery and with the aftercare, as the child recovered in the ICU.

The surgery, funded under the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme (free insurance scheme offered by the Government of Sri Lanka) was a lifeline for the young patient who had been on the long waiting list at LRH. The parents, burdened by the uncertainty of securing timely surgery, found hope and relief through Asiri Health’s intervention. "We are so grateful to the officials at Asiri Health who reached out to us during this difficult time. No words can express our happiness and thankfulness. This is a shining example of social responsibility in action," said the parents, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Dr. Mugunthan commented on the success of the procedure, stating that this programme is a boon for patients, allowing them to undergo surgery without a long wait, while reducing the waiting list for complex surgeries in the government sector. He also mentioned that, although this was the first paediatric cardiothoracic surgery performed at Asiri Central Hospital, the experience, skill and support from the team at Asiri Central ensured the seamless execution of the surgery.

Dr. Manjula Karunaratne, Group CEO of Asiri Health, aligned the initiative with the organization’s vision, stating, "At Asiri Health, we are driven by a mission to provide accessible, world-class healthcare that transforms lives. We are very happy that the success of this collaboration with the public sector has opened a new avenue for us to reach & provide high quality medical care to the more vulnerable members of our country.”

Adding to this sentiment, Mr. Nihal Ratnayake, Director of Operations at Asiri Central Hospital, remarked, "This is a proud milestone for Asiri Central Hospital. By launching pediatric cardiothoracic services, we are actively contributing to saving the lives of young Sri Lankans."

Adding more to this, Mr. Bathiya Jayasinghe, Group Head of Business Development shared his thoughts, saying, "This surgery is a prime example of the synergy that can be achieved through collaboration. It’s a true win-win-win situation: patients gain access to life-saving procedures without financial burden, government hospitals like LRH can reduce their waiting lists for critical cases, and Asiri Health strengthens its position as a leader in advanced medical care. It took significant effort to coordinate resources, streamline processes, and ensure this child received the care they urgently needed. The outcome, however, certainly justifies all of it.”

This inaugural surgery at Asiri Central Hospital demonstrates the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors in addressing critical healthcare challenges. It is a reminder that healthcare is not just about saving lives but also about restoring hope and dignity to families in need. By bridging the gap between accessibility and excellence in healthcare, Asiri Health continues to lead with innovation, compassion, and a commitment to the greater good.

As Asiri Central Hospital moves forward with its pediatric cardiothoracic programme, it paves the way for more children to receive life-saving treatments without delay. This initiative is a beacon of hope for countless families and a testament to the hospital’s unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community.