### 🏥 Chilaw Hospital Resumes Surgeries Post-Cyclone Ditwah

Surgical services at the Chilaw District General Hospital have officially resumed following rapid emergency repairs supported by the UNFPA. The restoration, completed by late December 2025, addresses critical infrastructure damage caused by severe flooding. • Impact of Cyclone Ditwah The cyclone caused an estimated US$ 4.1 Bn in national physical damage (approx. 4% of GDP). The health sector alone faced losses of Rs. 21 Bn, with Chilaw identified as one of the hardest-hit facilities. • Critical Infrastructure Restoration The operating theatre—essential for life-saving care—underwent a rapid three-week restoration. Repairs included replacing wall cladding, internal partitions, and flooring to re-establish the sterile environment required for surgical procedures. • Maternal & Newborn Care The hospital is a vital referral hub, treating roughly 500 pregnant women monthly. Even during peak flooding, it maintained care for over 150 in-house patients, making the resumption of obstetric and neonatal surgeries a national priority for healthcare continuity and employment stability in the region. • Recovery Status Based on provisional reports, surgical and sterilization procedures are now fully functional. The UNFPA and the Ministry of Health fast-tracked this project to prevent prolonged disruptions in the ICT/BPM and apparel heavy North Western Province. _