Vanni hospital 2009
Ilankai Tamil Sangam USA recognizes the medical profession team comprising doctors, nurses, technicians, ambulance drivers and other volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service to the internally displaced and war-affected people during the final phases of the civil war in Sri Lanka. During the times of war and great distress, they heroically stood by their people.
During the first five months of 2009, as an intense war ravaged the densely-populated coastline of northeastern Sri Lanka, more than 300 000 civilians were trapped in between. A government-imposed media blackout meant the world was largely unaware of what the United Nations later called a “bloodbath.” The team established makeshift hospitals and coordinated emergency medical efforts under the most difficult conditions. According to the ICRC, the team coordinated the evacuation of nearly 14,000 patients and their caregivers from the war zone between February and May 2009.
Vanni hospital January 28, 2009
The physicians’ team treated acute trauma and burns, performed surgical amputations and provided much needed first aid amidst shortages of food, medicine, clean water and supplies. Compounding the situation was that hospitals were under artillery attack. Although they had the option to leave, the team chose to stay and serve the civilian population who needed them more than ever. At a time when journalists were barred, the team also communicated with the outside world about the casualties they saw.
Ilankai Tamil Sangam USA on behalf of the Tamil American Community awards their highest recognition award of “Lifetime Service Award” to this team of brave and selfless team of men and women for their courageous service to humanity and for their acts of valor in the face oppression, intimidation and violence. The team award will be received by one of the doctors and a midwife at the Sangam Ruby Jubilee Anniversary to be held on November 4th in New Jersey.
Dr. Varatharajah 2009
Doctors
Dr. Thangamuthu Sathiyamoorthy – Regional Director of Health Services-Kilinochchi
Dr. Thurairajah Varatharajah – Regional Director of Health Services- Mullaitivu
Dr. Veerakaththipillai Sanmugarajah – Medical Superintendent, Mullaitivu District General Hospital
Dr. Kasilinkam Sujanthan – Director of Tamil Eelam Medical Health Services
Dr.R. Kathirchelvan – Medical Officer of Health and Doctor at Mallavi Divisional Hospital
Dr. K. Suthakaran – Medical Officer at District General Hospital- Kilinochchi
Dr. Tharmalingam Baskaran – Medical Officer of Health, Kilinochchi
Medical evacuation from Mullivaikkal May 9, 2009
Dr. Prasathnayagam Brighton – Medical Officer at District General Hospital- Kilinochchi
Dr. Sivapalan – In charge- Ponnampalam Memorial Hospital
Dr. Vettinasan Lumberd – Medical Officer- Madu
Dr. K Pathmalogini – Surrendered to the SL army – missing
Dr. Sivamanoharan – Death due to cluster bomb attack on April 21, 2009
Mr. Anton Benedict Jeyakumar- Accountant
Nurses
April 27, 2009
Sangam also recognizes all the Nurses who worked with the medical profession team. At the time of the news release the names of these Nurses were not
published. But a special event will be held in Northern Sri Lanka to recognize their contributions.
Other technicians and volunteers
Sangam also recognizes all other technicians and volunteers who worked with the medical profession team. At the time of the news release the names of these technicians and volunteers were not published. But a special event will be held in Northern Sri Lanka to recognize their contributions.