Life savers: David Meller with fellow Rotarians Ken Craig and Isabel Armer at Essendon Airport.

David Meller

Pictures: Scott McNaughton

July 17, 2007 By Goya Bennett

STRATHMORE Rotarian David Meller was at Essendon Airport last week checking a container holding two heart machines destined for Sri Lanka.

Mr Meller, the southern region co-ordinator of Rotary International Donations in Kind, said the cardiac catheterisation labs would be the first used in the country's public hospitals.

''One came out of St Vincent's public and the other came out of St John of God Hospital in Bendigo.

''They will be helping cardiac patients in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

''The population of Sri Lanka is about 20 million. It appears they've got two of these machines in the whole of the country - but they're in private hospitals. By way of contrast, in Victoria, with a population approaching five million, we have 40 of these machines.''

Worth an estimated $1.2 million, the labs have to be replaced every decade under Australian legislation.

However, Mr Meller said, with proper maintenance, the machines would serve the people of Sri Lanka for many years.

''By Australian health regulations, they have a life of 10 years.

''The reality is they have a real service life of up to 30 years.''

He said the machines would be used at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital - as soon as it was built.

Rotarian volunteers are in Sri Lanka talking to the health minister at the moment.

''They've gone right to the top to expedite matters,'' Mr Meller said.

While the machines' worth can be measured in dollars, the number of lives saved is harder to measure. Mr Meller said the reward of helping others was also priceless.

''It gives you that great feeling. I can tap my heart and feel proud.''

Details: David Meller on 0409 165 553.

COMMENTS

I wish thank the donors for their kindness. In reality these machines will save more and more poor Sri Lankans lives.

I wish the concern authorities will look after these valuable assets with care.

" Posted by: Dickman Gunawardena at July 17, 2007 9:53 PM

Thank you

" Posted by: Mr Rajapakse at July 18, 2007 2:18 AM

Thank you very much for your generosity. Your machines will save many lives..

-Shalika

" Posted by: Shalika at July 18, 2007 3:30 PM

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