NUTRITIONPROGRAMFOR PREGNANTMOTHERS

Mahamodarahospital

Mahamodara Teaching Hospital is a prominent medical facility located in Galle, Sri Lanka's Southern Province. With approximately 400 beds, it serves as a vital healthcare center, particularly focusing on maternal and child health. As the only maternity teaching hospital in the region, it acts as a frame of reference for specialized care in this field.

Originally established to alleviate overcrowding in the existing Mahamodara Hospital, the facility underwent expansions to accommodate the evolving needs of medical education and patient care, particularly after Karapitiya Hospital was upgraded to a Teaching Hospital. Mahamodara Teaching Hospital plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive maternal and neonatal care and actively participates in training medical professionals to ensure the delivery of highquality healthcare services. Additionally, the hospital engages in research studies related to healthcare, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and improving the quality of care provided.

In conclusion, Mahamodara Teaching Hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a significant medical institution specializing in maternal and child health. With its extensive facilities and role as a teaching hospital, it offers essential healthcare services, and training programs, and contributes to medical research The hospital serves as a center of excellence for maternal and child health in the southern region of Sri Lanka, providing comprehensive care and actively participating in the training and education of medical professionals

Due to the present economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the government was unable to allocate sufficient funds to the healthcare sector. Therefore, the hospital finds it difficult to provide nutrition-rich meals for the in-house patients. To address this issue under the Coordination of FIAN Sri Lanka, HELP-O was able to formulate a multistakeholder community mechanism and working group to provide breakfast for mothers.

This program to increase the nutritional levels at Mahmodara Hospital has been successful and has received a positive response from the community. It's wonderful that the number of mothers taking advantage of the food provided by the hospital has increased significantly.

By providing nutritious meals to mothers, the hospital not only improves the health and well-being of the mothers but also saves money in the process. This is a winwin situation where both the hospital and the community benefit. The fact that the community is willing to provide dry food for the hospital shows their support and commitment to the program.

It's commendable that the program has been extended beyond April and May By allocating specific days for people to provide food, the program ensures a sustained supply of meals for mothers in need This continuous support will further contribute to the overall success of the program and help maintain a high level of participation from mothers.

Also, the working group has identified the importance of providing sustainable nutrition-rich feedings for mothers with new borne babies to reduce nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, with the help of sponsors working group started to providing dray rational food pack for most needed mothers for the six months This initiative ensures that mothers receive not only immediate nutrition but also have resources to sustain their nutritional needs in the long run

Overall, the combined efforts of the hospital and the community in implementing these programs demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the nutritional well-being of mothers. It's an excellent example of how collaborative efforts can make a substantial positive impact on the health of the community.

To recognize and apricated those who already provide excellent contributions to this program Hospital conducted an event at 2023.03.11 in Mohamodara Hospital. This event was chaired by the director of the hospital and deputy directors, chairman of the hospital committee, other hospital officials, Lions club members, chamber of Galle Chamber of Commerce members, other respective donors, and HELP-O staff was there

At this event Dr. Sumith Manathunga, director of the hospital apricate the valuable contributions of the donors and also, showed statistical information about the low birth rate and future social and economic impacts of this and how this program contributes to the burdens of the mother as well as the whole family.

Nutrition specialist Dr Thilini Athukorala presented the importance of perpregnancy health and nutrition of the mother as well as pregnancy and postdelivering nutrition requirements for child wellbeing

Also, the director and working group appreciate Mr. Saman Athukorala's contribution and donation of a needed refrigerator for the hospital

Mr. Saman Athukorala, who is a valuable contributor to the program informed about the long tram dry rational pack providing program and everyone apricates his valuable contribution for sustain this program.

Chairman of the Hospital committee and HELP-O Lion Chathura Welivitiya apricate all the donor’s valuable contributions and provided the direction for the future sustainability of this program.

Written By - Buddhika Somaratne