Just In Time Group's Helping Hand: Bringing Joy to Young Hearts Battling Cancer through the Suwa Arana Initiative

Sri Lanka has long been in need of paediatric palliative care (end of life care) for young children suffering from cancer. An estimated 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Sri Lanka with 7 out of 10 of these children hailing from low-income families. These families have for so long been subjected to desperately limited care services leading to the dwindling survival rates of young cancer patients. That coupled with the country’s rising costs have left families emotionally and financially crippled.

Currently the country’s only paediatric oncology ward is the Apeksha hospital located in Colombo. Travelling hundreds of kilometres to get treatment may seem unimaginable for some, but it is the harsh reality for many families living in rural areas with no other access to the continuous, uninterrupted treatment that is crucial for the better survival odds of those afflicted. Travelling such distances may be arduous in itself, but the costs associated, such as food and lodgings push these families further into poverty leaving them in abject misery and hopelessness.

In low to middle income countries such as Sri Lanka, the cancer survival rate is shockingly around 20% whereas in upper income countries the rate stands at a promising 80%. To have your chances of living a full life depend on the circumstances of your birth seems not only absurdly unjust but simply unacceptable.

What is Suwa Arana?

Now, a beacon of hope has been lit. To assuage the situation, and to align with the national strategy of increasing these odds to at least 60%, Suwa Arana ‘’A Place for Healing’’, Sri Lanka’s first paediatric palliative care centre opened its doors on the 29th of June 2023. Located 50 yards away from Apeksha Hospital, families with sick children travelling from afar can find in it a safe haven that will not only house them but also provide end of life care for the young patients completely free of charge. There are approximately 150 children warded at any one time at the Paediatric Unit of the Apeksha Hospital. Whilst the majority of the children recover, there are also instances where palliative care must be given to some children and this will be the first such institute operational in Sri Lanka. Suwa Arana boasts 32 rooms, cutting edge technology, pain and symptoms management, end of life bereavement support, art and music therapy, recreational facilities, among other specialized care options for those seeking its comforts.

Just In Time Group’s Outreach

Just In Time Group, Sri Lanka’s leading Systems Integrator, a member of Agility Innovation (Pvt) Ltd, the holding Company of a growing ICT conglomerate in Sri Lanka has, invariably, been an ardent supporter of social causes. The company, emerges not only as a leader in technological prowess but as a beacon of social responsibility. Needless to say, it was a humbling opportunity for Just In Time Group, to be a part of this very timely and crucial project. The company was very pleased to have funded the construction of a dedicated room at Suwa Arana in a firm commitment towards their goodwill initiatives, hopeful to make a positive impact to the community it serves.

Following the inauguration of the centre, JIT Group was happy to further extend its support by creating a reading room corner filled not only with a wide variety of books, but also toys and boardgames all donated by well-wishing staff of the company.

The core objective of this project was to bring positivity into the lives of the children and families at Suwa Arana by establishing a nurturing environment imbued with compassion and joy. JIT Group maintains its unwavering dedication to do its part in crafting a more compassionate world, enriching one child's life at a time. The Reading Room Corner at Suwa Arana is an extension of a parallel initiative that was conducted during the period 2016 TO 2018 on the occasion of the company's 20th anniversary in which the company inaugurated 20 Reading Room Corners in children’s homes and under privileged schools across the country.

‘’I am profoundly moved by the courage and resilience of these young hearts battling cancer,’’ said Neranjan Dissanayake, Chief Executive Officer at Just In Time Group.  ‘’Through our support of the Suwa Arana initiative, we aim to bring more than just medical relief; we seek to provide a sanctuary of hope and comfort. Our commitment to this cause reflects our core belief in corporate social responsibility and the power of compassionate care. We are honoured to be a part of this significant endeavour, playing a role in enhancing the lives of these children and their families. Together, we stand in solidarity with them, striving to make each day brighter and every smile a little wider. Our involvement in Suwa Arana is more than a contribution; it's a testament to our dedication to making a meaningful impact in our community."

Suwa Arana is an initiative of the Indira Cancer Trust.