SAARC Women’s Association Strengthens Cancer Care with Vital Donation to Apeksha Hospital.
The SAARC Women’s Association (SWA), Sri Lanka Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service and community welfare through a significant contribution to the National Cancer Institute, Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama. In a move aimed at enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment, the Association recently donated 112 EGFR PCR mutation detection kits to the hospital’s Genetic Laboratory; an initiative expected to directly benefit patients battling lung and bowel cancers.
The donation marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, particularly in the area of precision medicine. EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) mutation testing plays a critical role in identifying specific genetic changes in cancer patients, allowing clinicians to tailor targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes. With these newly provided kits, healthcare professionals at Apeksha Hospital will be better equipped to deliver timely, accurate diagnoses and more personalized care.
The formal handover of the donation took place during a brief ceremony held at the office of the Hospital Director. The event was attended by senior medical professionals, hospital administrators, and members of the SAARC Women’s Association, reflecting a shared commitment to improving patient care. Though modest in scale, the ceremony underscored the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations and public healthcare institutions in addressing critical medical needs.
Speaking at the event, Farida Alibhoy, President of the SAARC Women’s Association Sri Lanka Chapter for 2025, emphasized the broader impact of cancer on society. She noted that the disease extends beyond the individual patient, affecting families, caregivers, and entire communities. “Cancer is not just a personal battle; it is a collective one,” she said. “Through this contribution, we aim to stand in solidarity with those fighting cancer and to support the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly to provide care. Access to informed diagnosis is a crucial part of this fight.” Her remarks highlighted the Association’s guiding philosophy, combining compassion with practical action. By focusing on tools that enable early detection and targeted treatment, SWA’s efforts go beyond symbolic gestures and contribute directly to improving clinical outcomes.
Dr. S. A. A. N. Jayasekara, Director of Apeksha Hospital, expressed his appreciation for the timely donation, noting its importance in advancing the hospital’s genetic testing capabilities. He pointed out that access to modern diagnostic tools is essential for effective cancer management, particularly in a resource-constrained environment. “Contributions such as these make a tangible difference,” he said. “They enable us to enhance our diagnostic precision and ultimately improve the quality of care we provide to our patients.”
Apeksha Hospital, widely recognized as Sri Lanka’s premier cancer treatment centre, serves thousands of patients annually from across the country. As the demand for specialized oncology services continues to grow, the need for advanced diagnostic technologies has become increasingly urgent.
Donations like that of the SAARC Women’s Association help bridge gaps in resources and ensure that patients receive the best possible care regardless of their socioeconomic background.
The funds used to procure the EGFR PCR mutation detection kits were raised through a combination of fundraising events and individual contributions. The SAARC Women’s Association organized two major fundraising initiatives in May and October 2025, which saw strong participation from members, well-wishers, and corporate sponsors. These events not only generated financial support but also helped raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and access to quality healthcare. In addition to these organized efforts, the Association benefited from the generosity of individual donors who contributed to the cause. This collective approach to fundraising reflects the strength of community-driven initiatives and underscores the role of civic engagement in addressing public health challenges.
The SAARC Women’s Association has a long-standing history of involvement in humanitarian and social development initiatives across the South Asian region. Since its establishment in 1996, the organization has focused on fostering friendship, understanding, and cooperation among women in SAARC countries. Its work spans a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, disaster relief, women’s empowerment, and social welfare.
In Sri Lanka, the Association has been particularly active in supporting underprivileged communities, with a strong emphasis on women and children. Its projects are designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to promote long-term, sustainable development. The recent donation to Apeksha Hospital is a continuation of this broader mission, demonstrating how targeted interventions can create lasting impact.
Healthcare, in particular, remains a key priority for the organization. By addressing critical gaps in medical infrastructure and resources, SWA aims to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system, one where access to life-saving treatment is not limited by financial constraints. The provision of diagnostic tools such as EGFR testing kits aligns with global trends toward precision medicine, ensuring that patients receive therapies tailored to their specific conditions. The initiative also highlights the importance of partnerships between non-governmental organizations and public institutions. In many developing countries, healthcare systems face significant challenges, including limited funding, outdated equipment, and increasing patient loads. Collaborative efforts can help alleviate these pressures, enabling hospitals to expand their services and improve patient outcomes.
Beyond its immediate impact, the donation serves as a reminder of the power of collective action. It illustrates how individuals and organizations, when united by a common purpose, can contribute to meaningful change. For patients and their families, such gestures offer not only practical support but also a sense of hope and solidarity. As cancer continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, initiatives like this underscore the need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and innovation. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and targeted treatment are essential components of effective cancer care, and each requires access to appropriate tools and resources.
The SAARC Women’s Association’s contribution to Apeksha Hospital represents a step forward in this ongoing effort. By supporting the hospital’s genetic laboratory, the organization is helping to ensure that more patients can benefit from advances in medical science. It is a testament to the impact that dedicated, community-focused initiatives can have on improving lives.
Looking ahead, the Association has indicated its intention to continue its work in the healthcare sector, alongside its other areas of focus. With a strong network of members and supporters, it remains well-positioned to undertake further initiatives that address pressing social needs. In a world where healthcare challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the role of organizations like the SAARC Women’s Association is more important than ever. Through its commitment to compassion, cooperation, and service, SWA continues to make a meaningful difference; one initiative at a time.
