The National Hospital Kandy

In 1866, a simple cholera ward opened its doors. This humble beginning marked the first building of what we now know as The National Hospital Kandy. The hospital’s story is intertwined with the history of Kandy itself. After the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, British rule brought new challenges, including the need for modern healthcare. The influx of Indian laborers for coffee and tea plantations further highlighted the necessity for better medical facilities. Initially, a military hospital served both soldiers and civilians. It stood where the Kandyan Art Association now stands. As the need for civilian healthcare grew, the small pauper hospital in Deiannewela, originally built for infectious diseases like smallpox around 1861, expanded. It eventually became the General Hospital Kandy, evolving into the vital institution we see today, The National Hospital Kandy. The National Hospital Kandy isn’t just a place of healing. It’s a teaching hospital linked to the University of Peradeniya. It trains medical students and nurses, and even offers programs for foreign students specializing in tropical diseases. In 2019, The National Hospital Kandy received a significant upgrade, becoming the second National Hospital in Sri Lanka. Today, The National Hospital Kandy stands as the second largest hospital in the country, boasting over 2,000 beds. It offers specialized care in numerous areas, serving not only the Central Province, but also patients from across the island. The hospital has a remarkable history of innovation. Sri Lanka’s first heart transplant took place within these walls. The hospital is a bustling hub of activity, with numerous wards, special units, ICUs, and operating theaters. It offers a wide range of services from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. The National Hospital Kandy represents a long journey of medical advancement. From a simple cholera ward to a national center of excellence, it continues to play a vital role in the health and well-being of Sri Lanka.