Thursday, January 08, 2026

Harsha de Silva backs Shavini’s OxiWear for national ambulance use

MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has officially endorsed OxiWear, an innovative wearable medical device developed by Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur Shavini Fernando, proposing its integration into the country's national ambulance services. This endorsement marks a significant step toward modernizing Sri Lanka's emergency medical response capabilities through cutting-edge technology.

Revolutionary Medical Technology

OxiWear represents a breakthrough in portable medical monitoring technology, offering real-time vital sign tracking capabilities that could transform emergency medical care. The device, developed by Shavini Fernando, demonstrates the global impact Sri Lankan innovators can achieve in the healthcare technology sector. This wearable solution provides continuous monitoring of critical patient parameters, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions during emergency transport.

The technology's potential application in ambulance services could significantly improve patient outcomes by providing paramedics and emergency medical technicians with instant access to comprehensive vital sign data. This real-time monitoring capability allows for more accurate assessment of patient conditions during transport, potentially saving lives through early intervention and better preparation at receiving hospitals.

Political Support for Healthcare Innovation

Dr. Harsha de Silva's endorsement carries substantial weight in Sri Lankan political circles, particularly given his background in economics and policy development. His support for OxiWear reflects a broader political commitment to embracing technological innovation in healthcare delivery. The MP's backing suggests potential pathways for government adoption and funding of advanced medical technologies.

This political endorsement could facilitate discussions between government healthcare authorities and technology developers, potentially leading to pilot programs or broader implementation strategies. De Silva's involvement may also help navigate regulatory requirements and funding mechanisms necessary for integrating new medical technologies into existing healthcare infrastructure.

Impact on Emergency Medical Services

The proposed integration of OxiWear into national ambulance services could revolutionize emergency medical response across Sri Lanka. Current ambulance services often rely on basic monitoring equipment, limiting paramedics' ability to provide comprehensive patient assessment during transport. OxiWear's advanced monitoring capabilities could bridge this gap, providing continuous, accurate vital sign monitoring throughout the emergency response process.

Emergency medical services would benefit from improved patient data collection, enabling better communication between ambulance crews and hospital emergency departments. This enhanced communication could lead to more efficient resource allocation at hospitals, with medical teams better prepared for incoming patients based on real-time data transmitted from ambulances equipped with OxiWear technology.

Sri Lankan Innovation on Global Stage

Shavini Fernando's success with OxiWear highlights Sri Lanka's growing presence in the global technology innovation landscape. The country's talented entrepreneurs and developers are increasingly creating solutions that address worldwide healthcare challenges. This recognition from political leaders like Dr. Harsha de Silva demonstrates growing awareness of local innovation potential and its importance for national development.

The endorsement also reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to supporting homegrown technology solutions rather than relying solely on imported medical equipment. This approach could foster a more robust domestic technology sector while ensuring that healthcare innovations are tailored to local needs and conditions.

Implementation Challenges and Opportunities

While the endorsement represents significant progress, implementing OxiWear across national ambulance services will require careful planning and substantial investment. Training programs for emergency medical personnel will be necessary to ensure effective utilization of the new technology. Additionally, integration with existing emergency response systems and hospital networks will require coordinated effort across multiple healthcare stakeholders.

Funding mechanisms for widespread deployment remain a critical consideration. Government budget allocation, potential international development partnerships, and private sector involvement may all play roles in successful implementation. The technology's cost-effectiveness compared to existing solutions will likely influence adoption decisions.

Future Healthcare Technology Adoption

This endorsement could signal broader government interest in adopting innovative healthcare technologies. Success with OxiWear implementation might pave the way for other advanced medical technologies to be considered for national healthcare system integration. The precedent set by this political backing could encourage other Sri Lankan innovators to develop healthcare solutions with potential for government adoption.

The collaboration between political leadership and technology innovators demonstrated by Dr. de Silva's endorsement of OxiWear may serve as a model for future healthcare technology initiatives. This approach could accelerate the modernization of Sri Lanka's healthcare infrastructure while supporting domestic innovation and entrepreneurship.

The endorsement of OxiWear by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva represents a promising convergence of political support, technological innovation, and healthcare advancement. As discussions progress regarding national ambulance service integration, this initiative could significantly enhance emergency medical care quality across Sri Lanka while showcasing the country's growing technological capabilities on the international stage.