At the heart of any successful healthcare system lies the ability to preserve crucial medical data for future reference. In histopathology, where patient slides can inform critical medical decisions years after their initial examination, proper storage is non-negotiable. Recognizing this need, Energy Surge Pvt Ltd recently undertook a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project to donate two custom-designed microscope slide storage drawers to Wathupitiwala Hospital. Spearheaded by our main volunteers, the project aimed to solve a long-standing challenge faced by the hospital’s Histopathology section.
From Cardboard to Custom Metal Fabrication
Previously, the hospital stored patient slides in cardboard boxes. While this may have served as a temporary solution, the fragile nature of cardboard posed significant risks. Patient slides, which need to be kept for up to 10 years, are vital for future medical decisions, and any damage could lead to irreparable loss of valuable data. The need for a robust, long-term storage solution became clear.
Kassapa and the team at Energy Surge Pvt Ltd stepped in to design and fabricate a custom solution using sheet metal. Each drawer was carefully designed to store up to 2,500 slides across five rows, providing a total capacity of 10,000 slides per drawer set. This durable design ensures that slides are protected from breakage, safeguarding them for years to come.
Cost-Effective and Scalable
Had the hospital opted to order similar storage solutions from abroad, the costs would have been significantly higher. By designing and fabricating the drawers locally, the project not only met the hospital’s immediate needs but also contributed to saving valuable foreign reserves for the government. This solution is now a blueprint that can be replicated for other hospitals across Sri Lanka, offering an affordable and effective means to preserve critical medical data.
A Timeline of Dedication
The project began in mid-May, with the design process starting after receiving approval from the hospital’s staff. By August, fabrication of the drawers was well underway, and the final product was delivered to Wathupitiwala Hospital on September 24. This timeline highlights the commitment and precision required to ensure the drawers met the hospital’s exact needs.
A Sustainable Contribution
This donation marks a meaningful step toward improving the operational efficiency of the histopathology section at Wathupitiwala Hospital. By providing a safer, more organized, and cost-effective solution for storing patient slides, the project has not only enhanced the hospital’s capabilities but also set a precedent for future improvements in healthcare infrastructure.
As the main volunteer, Kassapa Osanda Wickramsinghe played a key role in designing, coordinating the project and ensuring its success. Together with Energy Surge Pvt Ltd, this initiative showcases how thoughtful CSR projects can make a lasting impact on both healthcare systems and the broader community.
