The renovated Ward 3 and 4 of the 'Apeksha' Hospital in Maharagama was handed over to the hospital authorities during a simple ceremony on Tuesday (20th February). The Wards were renovated by troops of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment in response to a request by health authorities.

The Apeksha Hospital, formerly known as the Cancer Institute is the only one of its kind state hospital in the country dedicated to diagnose, treat and follow-up on cancer patients. All services are provided free of charge to the patients. The hospital also serves as a major training center for medical undergraduates and postgraduates in the field of Oncology as well as other specialties in Medicine.

There are 22 Wards including 4 children's Ward in the hospital. Troops who voluntarily took up the task of renovating the two Wards had put in their expertise and completed the required repairs and renovations before handing them over to the medical authorities.

Meanwhile a group of Army personnel took part in the 'Diabetes Walk' launched under the 'Let's Defeat Diabetes' project of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation and the 306 Lions Club in Trincomalee recently. About 60 Army personnel including woman soldiers actively contributed to this programme conducted to create awareness among the public on this non communicable disease.