THE opening ceremony of Si­tagu Ketumati Ayudana Hos­pital was held at the hospital in Toungoo township, Bago Region, yesterday.

It was attended by monks led by State Ovadacariya Shw­egyin Nikaya Ganadhipati Shwegyin Sangharaja Chan­cellor of Sitagu Internation­al Buddhist Academies and Sitagu Hospitals Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika Mahadhammakathika Bahu­janahitadhara Sitagu Sayad­aw Dr Bhaddanta Nyanissara and Sitagu Ketumati Buddhist Academy (Toungoo) Prof Si­tagu Ketumati Ayudana Hos­pital in charge Dr Bhaddanta Tikkhasara, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win and relevant officials.

First, the Union Ministers and party took five precepts from the Sitagu Sayadaw.

Then, the well-wishers do­nated cash for the hospital, and the Union ministers received it on behalf of the Sayadaw.

The Sayadaw delivered a sermon, and the attendees shared the merit gained.

After the ceremonial pro­cedures, the Sitagu Sayadaw and Union ministers comfort­ed the patients and present­ed them with financial aid. — MNA/KTZH