About Us
The National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka (NCISL) is a government-funded, non-fee-levying tertiary care hospital that provides comprehensive care and treatment for all types of cancer. While the government covers the basic operational costs, it cannot fully afford the expensive medicines and specialized care required for optimal patient care. As a result, the hospital relies on additional support to meet these critical needs. This support can come in various forms, including donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships, all of which are essential to ensure that NCISL can continue its high-quality care to its patients.
One of the key components of the NCISL is the Development Committee, which is the arm to provide support to the hospital in providing its services to the public. Locally the hospital is named “Apeksha Hospital” as Apeksha means ‘Hope’ in Sinhala language. Hence our web page is called “Help Apeksha”.
Members of the Development Committee of the National Cancer Institute Sri Lanka is appointed by the Minister of Health according to Health Services Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Health Services Act; Chapter 550
The Development Committee of the National Cancer Institute Sri Lanka comprises a diverse group of volunteer professionals and experts from various sectors of society. These committee members come together to provide their expertise, experience, and resources to support the institute’s development efforts and advance its mission in combating cancer.
They are tasked with overseeing and guiding the institute's development projects, programs, and initiatives. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the NCISL operates efficiently and effectively in its mission to prevent, diagnose, treat, and research cancer.
The primary functions of the Development Committee include:
1. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
The committee is responsible for identifying and securing funding sources to support the institut’s activities and using available funds in a rational way. This could involve working with government agencies, international organizations, private donors, and other stakeholders to raise funds for cancer research, to improve treatment facilities, patient support programs, and other initiatives and collaborating with hospital administration.
2. Strategic Planning and Project Management
The committee works closely with the institute’s leadership- Director to develop strategic plans for the NCISL’s growth and development. This may involve identifying priority areas for investment, setting goals and targets, and overseeing the implementation of projects and programs.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships:
The Development Committee plays a key role in establishing collaborations and partnerships with other organizations, both domestic and international, to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices in the fight against cancer. This could involve research partnerships, knowledge-sharing agreements, and joint fundraising efforts.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
The committee is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the NCISL’s projects and programs. This involves tracking key performance indicators, assessing outcomes, and making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.
5. Supplying necessary medical equipment & medicines that are in short supply:
Most medical equipment at the hospital is funded and maintained by government resources. However, there are times when securing funds for critical instruments is delayed, which can negatively impact patient care. Additionally, there are instances when the government-supplied stocks of medicines run out, forcing patients to purchase them independently. In such situations, the hospital’s Development Committee steps in to provide the necessary items, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted.
Policy on purchasing medicine for NCISL through the Hospital Development committee
6. Repair and servicing hospital furniture / equipment when needed:
The hospital serves a significant number of patients in their daily care, requiring a variety of items such as wheelchairs, patient trolleys, kitchen equipment, air conditioners, ward beds, and more. The maintenance of these items can be expensive. By collaborating with local manufacturers, the hospital committee efficiently organizes and sustains this essential activity.
7. Coordinating Educational events & providing and welfare services to the health care staff:
The hospital employs over 2000 staff across various categories. When new advancements in cancer treatment and related activities arise, certain staff categories may require additional training not covered by the government. In such cases, the development committee steps in to provide support for these activities. Additionally, the development committee also supports specific needs, such as dental care for staff members, on certain occasions.
8. Supporting social events of the health care staff & patients:
In order to prevent burnout and alleviate stress among staff members, the hospital development committee supports various social programs and activities. Individual members often contribute to these initiatives as well, fostering a supportive and positive work environment. Involvement of patients for nationally important events is also encouraged.