Apeksha nutrition programme to be expanded

The nutrition programme launched in January 2026 at the National Cancer Institute Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, would be expanded to State hospitals in the near future following the success of its pilot programme, the President Elect of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians, Dr. M.S.S. Mallawaarachchi said.  

Fielding questions from The Daily Morning when contacted on 5 March, Dr. Mallawaarachchi said that it was a pilot project which commenced from four wards. Now it is being implemented in half of the hospital. The progress is slow as regular assessments of the nutrition programme have to be carried out in order to ensure its sustainability, he noted. It has the Health Ministry’s fullest support. Dr. Mallawaarachchi said the programme would be expanded to teaching hospitals and District general hospitals once the pilot programme is viewed as one that is successful.

The pilot project to provide nutritious, customised meals for warded patients was launched for the first time at a Government hospital, with the initiative commencing at the Apeksha Hospital. Dr. Mallawaarachchi said that the programme aimed at providing warded patients with balanced and nutritious meals served on specially designed customised plates, with rice, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and other items served separately to boost both the nutritional value and the appetite of patients. 

Source - The Morning