SLMAnews-2012-01

NEWS THE OFFICIAL NEWS PAPER OF THE SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2012, Volume 5, No 1

ISSN 1800 4016

The SLMA Meets His Excellency the President

From Left to Right: Dr. Narendra Pinto (Member, SLMA), Prof. S.D. Jayarathne (Chairperson, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Member, SLMA), Prof. Sanath P. Lamabadusuriya (Immediate Past President, SLMA), Hon. Maithripala Sirisena (Minister of Health), His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (President, SLMA), Dr. Lasantha Malavige (Secretary, SLMA), Dr. Ravindra Ruberu (Secretary, Ministry of Health), Prof. Ranjani Gamage (Member, SLMA), Mr. Lalith Weeratunga (Secretary to His Excellency the President) (not in picture)

A historic meeting between the Sri Lanka Medical Association and the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa took place on 12 January 2012, From 11 am to 2 pm, at the Temple Trees, Colombo. The SLMA delegation had cordial discussions with His Excellency on current issues related to the field of medicine.

The meeting was an opportunity for the members of the SLMA to express the views of the profession regarding many matters freely to His Excellency. The Minister of Health, Honorable Maithripala Sirisena was also present at the meeting.

The SLMA hopes that this would be the beginning of a meaningful dialogue between the government and medical professionals.

SLMANEWS SLMA Presidential Induction 2012

Professor Vajira H. W. Dissanayake MBBS (Colombo), PhD (Nottingham) was inducted as the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association on 7 January 2012 at the Auditorium of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute at Independence Avenue by Prof. S. P. Lamabadusuriya MBE, Immediate Past President.

Professor Dissanayake joined the Council in 1997 and has served in the Council in various capacities.

In the years 2000 and 2005 he served as the Honorary Secretary. He is the youngest person to be appointed President of the 125 year old Sri Lanka Medical Association, the oldest national medical association in Asia and Australasia.

Professor Dissanayake holds several posts including - Professor in Anatomy and Medical Geneticist in the Department of Anatomy and the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo; Chairperson, Specialty Board in Biomedical Informatics, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo; President, Health Informatics Society of Sri Lanka; and Member, Steering Committee, Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific.

He was the recipient of the Presidential citation award for Research in 2003; the Sri Lanka Medical Association oration in 2008; the Third World Academy of Science and the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka – Young Scientist Award for Scientific Excellence in 2008; The Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) award for Medical Research, awarded by the Junior Chamber International in 2008, the University of Colombo Research Award in 2008, and the Young Scientist Award awarded by the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2011.

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SLMANEWS Presidential Address 2012

by Professor Vajira H. W. Dissanayake MBBS (Colombo), PhD (Nottingham) 7 January 2012 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo Prof. S. P. Lamabadusuriya Board of Trustees Past Presidents Council Members Members Distinguished Invitees Ladies and Gentleman I thank Professor Lamabadusuriya for that generous introduction. I wish to begin by thanking the Past Presidents of the Association for having nominated me, and the members of the Association for having elected me as President of our Association, the Sri Lanka Medical Association, the oldest national medical association in Asia and Australasia.

Although we are a group of professionals practicing Western Medicine, we are the descendents of a civilization that had attained a high state of perfection in the field of medicine. The ancient Buddhist scriptures talk of organ donation and transplantation. The science of how this was done however seems not to have been documented, or that documentation seems to have been lost forever. The ruins of the hospital at Minintale, dating back to 5th century BC, four hundred years before any other hospital anywhere else in the world, stands silent testimony to what our ancestors had achieved. These achievements however, became a thing of the past, during 450 years of colonial rule. Integration of this ancient knowledge with modern medicine seams a long way away. The establishment of the herbal medicine committee by the Sri Lanka Medical Association during the Presidency of Prof. Lamabadusuriya under his chairmanship can be described as the first steps in our attempt to harness the wisdom of that bygone era.

It would however, be interesting for you in this context, to note an incident at the SLMA in 1952, which lead to the first and only resignation of a President of the SLMA. On 20 August 1952, Dr. A. S. Rajasingham, President of the Association at the time, presented 3 resolutions to a general meeting of the Association.

The first was a resolution to felicitate the newly appointed Minister of Health. It was defeated heavily. The second was about amalgamation of Ayurveda and Western Medicine. It was also defeated. Dr. Rajasingham withdrew the third resolution and resigned from office six days later leading to a somewhat acrimonious assumption of office by his successor. The formation of the herbal medicine committee in the SLMA last year fortunately did not lead to such drama. I am happy to be inducted today by Professor Lamabadusuriya, my teacher, who lead the Association with distinction and inspired us to aim for greater heights. I thank you Sir, on behalf of the members of the SLMA, for your leadership last year.

The British, who colonized Sri Lanka in the 19th century, had a great influence on the system of medicine that is being practiced in this country today. So it comes as no surprise, that we, in the Sri Lanka Medical Association, while celebrating our 125th anniversary, trace our roots to that period. One cannot however, in the process of dwelling on history, fail to go back another two hundred years, and mention the 17th century Dutch Hospital in Fort - the oldest hospital of the Western Medical era of this country. The building has stood the test of time, but the surroundings have not. We all know the massive transformation

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SLMANEWS the landscape of Fort has undergone during our lifetime, not to mention what it would have been like all those years ago. It would be hard to believe that those people building the Dutch hospital in 1681 would have imagined that it to be standing to this day, 330 years later. The sad thing however, is that it is not a hospital anymore. The building itself, like everything else in Fort, has been transformed into a commercial precinct, a shopping arcade. It is important, I think, to reflect on that as we celebrate, this year, the founding of the SLMA 125 years ago and ponder on its future. I am not for a moment suggesting that the Wijerama House will be a shopping arcade in another 200 years. But on the other hand I may be wrong. I am however, calling for the need to change with times to remain relevant, so that we won’t fade out. Let me illustrate the need to be relevant in the modern context taking two leaves out of the SLMA history book.

The first was on 17 August 1949, Dr. Mary Rathnam, who had been a member of the Association for 50 years, moved a resolution that conception control should be part of the activities of public health, especially in the field of maternity and child welfare, and that instruction in control methods should be a part of the curriculum of the Colombo Medical College, the only Medical School in Sri Lanka at that time. A vote was taken and the resolution was defeated by a very large majority. When we think of the present day, times have indeed changed. It would be hard to imagine such a resolution defeated today, let alone the requirement of such a resolution to convince the membership of the Association the need for conception control or contraception as we call it now.

The second was on 9 October 1956, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) orgaised the first doctor’s strike in Sri Lanka, then Ceylon. The Sri Lanka, or the Ceylon Medical Association, at that time sent a resolution to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Hon. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. I quote an extract from that resolution. “This Council is in sympathy with the demand of the GMOA for better salaries and conditions of Service of doctors and for abolition of private practice”. I repeat “abolition of private practice”. To put it mildly, I do not think this resolution would carry today.

Permit me to go back to the 19th Century. The SLMA started life as the "Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association" on 17 December 1887 with 65 members on its roll, and Dr P D Anthoniz as its first President. The moving force behind its inception however, was Dr W R Kynsey (later Sir William Kynsey). He was surgeon-captain in the Army Medical Department, Principal Medical Officer, and Inspector General of Ceylon.

Later he became a member of the Legislative Council. He persuaded 15 doctors to meet on 26 February 1887, at the Colonial Medical Library on Maradana Road, Colombo and resolve to form the Association. He had declined to be the first President as he was going abroad on furlough.

The medals on this slide are the ones worn by him in his picture. They are currently a part of the collection of the British archives.

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The change of name to "Ceylon Medical Association" came in 1951, three years after Independence, and In 1972 when Sri Lanka became a Republic, the name changed again to "Sri Lanka Medical Association".

The SLMA office is at "Wijerama House", named after Dr. E M Wijerama.

Eminent Physician, Past President of the SLMA, and Founder President of the Ceylon College of Physicians, who formally gifted the house he lived in at McCarthy Road to the Association in 1964.

Although his offer was made in writing in October 1957, resolution of the many issues that arose took 7 long years!

The McCarthy Road was renamed in his honor as the Dr E.M. Wijerama Mawatha by the Colombo Municipal Council during his life time, the first time a street was named after a living person in Sri

SLMANEWS Lanka, in recognition of his meritorious act – a gift to SLMA, which appreciates by the minute.

The “Ceylon Medical Journal”, the official journal of the Association was first published in August 1887, and fittingly, the first article in the first issue was authored by Dr. Kynsey. The name of the Journal changed to the “Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association” in 1904, when it was re-launched, after a break of 11 year from 1893 to 1903.

The name of the Journal was changed to its pristine appellation, “Ceylon Medical Journal”, in 1952, and continues to be published as the Ceylon Medical Journal (CMJ). It is the oldest surviving English medical journal in Asia and Australasia. In keeping with modern times, it is available today, as an online open access journal.

The key event in the SLMA annual calendar is the Annual Scientific Session. Since the Golden Jubilee, in 1937, the Association has been orgainsing an annual session. The sessions from 2 to 6 July this year will be the 76th in this long series of uninterrupted annual conferences, a unique record for any association anywhere in the world.

The SLMA or the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association, at that time, was the only Association looking after the professional and medico-political or trade union interests of doctors in Ceylon, at the turn of the 20th century. This changed however, in 1929, with two associations, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and the Independent Medical Practitioners Association (IMPA) being formed to look after the trade union interests of those in government service and in private practice respectively. It is noteworthy that the Memorandum of Association of the SLMA clearly states that it cannot support any objectives which will make the Association a Trade Union. This however, is surprising, in view of the origins of the SLMA, as the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association. The British Medical Association is both a professional association and a trade union for all doctors in Briton.

The field of professional medical collages and associations in Sri Lanka, today, is glittered with, over 30 professional collages and associations looking after the interests of different medical sub and super specialties – some of them old, some recently formed; some shining very brightly, others not so. I think I would be correct in characterizing the Sri Lanka Medical Association, the National Medical Association of Sri Lanka, using contemporary parlance, as the mother of all professional medical collages and associations in this country. The SLMA is the association which brings together the entire medical profession, whatever specialty you belong to; whatever your professional standing is – whether you are a newly graduated doctor or a retired senior super specialist; whatever your place of work is – whether you are in government service, university service or private practice; and whatever part of the Island you are locate. The SLMA is everyone’s home.

The vision of the SLMA is to be the most influential professional organisation in Sri Lanka. Its mission is to lead the medical community to achieve the highest standards of medical professionalism and ethical conduct and to be an advisory body on health policy to the Sri Lankan government and the community at large.

The underlying philosophy for this vision and mission, is articulated in the SLMA deceleration on health. The SLMA declaration on Health was first drafted by the SLMA ethics committee in 1995 and adopted by the Council that year. It was subsequently revised, and adopted by the Council again in 2005. In that declaration, the SLMA acknowledges that in spite of the health of our citizens improving to a commendable degree over the past few decades, much remains to be done. Promotion of better understanding between doctors and

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SLMANEWS patients, and promotion of closer cooperation among all categories of health professionals as well as between the state, society in general and its individual members, are factors that will ensure continued improvement in the health of our people. The SLMA acknowledge that a greater understanding of health related issues by the public would help to improve the standard of health. To this I may add, the need for continuous empowering of Health Care Professionals by providing Continuing Professional Development and Empowering the Health Sector with Information and Communication Technology – an area in which we sadly lag behind.

The SLMA declares that patients have rights as listed in this slide (Top Box). As members of the association, we have, to reflect on what role we could play to ensure that these rights of our patients are upheld. The SLMA acknowledge the limitations placed on development of the health sector by constraints due to the lack of finance, human resources and infrastructure, as well as the problems posed by the absence of a formal relationship between the private and public health care services. Unfortunately the enactment of a Private Medical Institutions Act recently does not seem to have had the desired results.

As these constraints, however, are remediable, the SLMA declares further, that patients be empowered as specified in this slide (Middle Box).

One may argue that some of these are not achievable, and not practical in a society where doctors are still by and large looked upon for guidance and direction by patients, rather than as equal partners in a decision making process. That scenario, we all know, is gradually changing.

Health however, is not the responsibility of doctors alone, the SLMA acknowledge that all citizens have responsibilities towards each other and to the state. They are listed in this slide (Bottom Box).

We all know their value. I am sure you would agree with me that it is important for us, individually to, reflect on what affirmative action we have taken on our own on each one of the points listed here in

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People have the right 1. to life that they can enjoy in good health and with dignity; 2. to live in an environment free of pollution; 3. when ill, to be treated always with care and compassion, by the attending health professionals in particular and by the members of society in general; and 4. to expect that fees that are charged from patients and other users for services rendered are reasonable.

People are entitled to 5. receive relevant information on matters concerning health and health services; 6. be referred to an appropriate professional or institution when referral is indicated; 7. be afforded confidentiality and privacy during consultation, examination, investigation and treatment; 8. be competently and adequately assessed by their medical professionals; 9. request and to receive a second opinion, when appropriate; 10. receive, wherever possible, their preferred mode of treatment from among those proven to be effective; 11.keep in their custody reports of investigations pertaining to their illness, or where this is not feasible, a summary of pertinent investigations, together with the diagnosis and treatment; and 12. participate in influencing health related policy.

People should 13. strive to do everything in their power to keep the environment free of pollution; 14. support all efforts to maintain the balance of nature and its biodiversity; 15. refrain from using, or promoting the use of, toxic substances in the preparation of food and cosmetics; 16. refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco and from abusing drugs and alcohol, and should encourage others to do likewise; 17. co-operate fully with those involved in the promotion of health, the prevention of disease and in treating the sick; 18. render assistance to the sick whenever possible; and 19. be willing to participate in approved projects researching health promotion and the prevention and cure of disease.

SLMANEWS the past 24 hours, last week, last month or last year. 7th of January, ladies and gentleman, is not too late to make a New Year resolution for affirmative action.

Is the SLMA Declaration on Health just a document, or is there something that we, as doctors and others, can do to give effect to it? The answer is yes. 

The SLMA calls on all health professionals, professional organisations and institutions involved in medical undergraduate and postgraduate training to improve professional and ethical standards and thereby give effect to the provisions of the declaration;

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The SLMA calls on the Government to provide the finance, human resources and infrastructure required for effecting such improvement, and to take appropriate action as called for in the declaration;

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The SLMA calls on the pharmaceutical industry to abide by the ethical standards as laid down in Ethical Criteria for the Promotion of Medicinal Drugs and Devices in Sri Lanka formulated by the SLMA in 1996;

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The SLMA calls on professional bodies and non-governmental organisations to take appropriate action, within their spheres of influence, and to disseminate the information contained in the declaration for the benefit of the people; and finally

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The SLMA calls on the media to remain vigilant and protect the health of the people by rejecting unethical advertising and to utilise the advice of competent health professional and consumer groups in reporting health related issues.

Members of the SLMA, Ladies and gentleman, in the past half an hour, I give you a flavor of the history of the SLMA and the SLMA was intimately associate with the social and political changes happening in the country, its apex position in the field of medicine in Sri Lanka, and the values underpinning the conduct and operation of the SLMA articulated in the SLMA declaration on health – a document around which the entire medical community as well the citizens of this country could unite to work towards ensuring the health of our nation.

In that process, as time passes by it would become increasingly difficult not to take note of the great technological advances made in the fields of information and communication technology (ICT), and its application in medicine, nanotechnology, and its application in medicine, genomic medicine, and regenerative medicine - areas which are close to my heart. These advances are rewriting textbooks and transforming medicine and the way health care is delivered. Sri Lanka cannot wait and watch any more, change must come, sooner than later. As much as vaccination and antibiotics helped us conquer infections, ICT, nanomolecules, genomics, and stem cells are the tools that will help us conquer the modern day Non Communicable Disease epidemics. These tools may still be in their infancy, but the day they are in widespread practice is not too far. To the skeptic, I would say, take a look at the subspecialty of clinical haemato-oncology.

We need to look at models of integrating these advances in basic sciences with medical practice at national level as is happening in other parts of the world. Unless we do that we will have to keep on sending our patients abroad for sophisticated investigations and treatment, draining our finances. I know that the day that policymakers focus their attention on this would arrive soon. This would enable us to create an environment conducive for a healthy life for all Sri Lankans, a healthy society for a healthy tomorrow.

It is customary ladies and gentleman, at the end of a address like this to thank many people. I shall be failing in my duty if I do not thank my parents, my wife Ruwangi, Ruwangi’s parents, and my mentor Prof. Rohan Jayasekara without whose help, guidance and constant support, I would not be here today. I would also like to especially mention the names of Prof. Priyani Soysa, Dr. Dennis Aloysius, Dr. Malik Fernando, Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya and Dr. Preethi Wijegoonewardene all Past Presidents of the SLMA for their constant support,

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SLMANEWS encouragement and guidance. Mr. Rajasingham and his team at SLMA always have a special place. In this address, I have quoted heavily from the writings of Drs. Dennis Aloysius and Chris Uragoda on the History of the SLMA. I thank them both. We are indebted to historians like you. I have also quoted heavily from the SLMA Declaration on Health which is a collective effort of all members of the SLMA ethics committee over many years. I thank all of them as well. I also wish to thank the dynamic Honorary Secretary of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, Dr. Lasantha Malavige, for making all the arrangements for my induction. Ladies and gentleman, last but not least, I thank you all, for accepting our invitation and for honouring us, Prof. Lamabadusuriya and myself, with your presence here this evening.

Thank you.

THE SLMA COUNCIL 2012

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President Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake MBBS, PhD Professor in Anatomy Medical Geneticist University of Colombo

Immediate Past President Prof. S.P. Lambadusuriya MBBS, PhD, DSc, MBE Emeritus Professor in Paediatrics University of Colombo

President Elect Dr. B.J.C.Perera MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD(Paed), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FCCP, FCGP(SL) Consultant Paediatrician

Vice President Major General (Dr.) C.Thurairaja MBBS, MD, DMRD(Lond.), DMRD(L’pool.), FFIMS Consultant Radiologist, Sports Medicine and Family Physician

Honorary Secretary Dr. Lasantha Malavige MBBS, DIPM, PhD Specialist in Sexual Medicine

Vice President Dr. Pramilla Senanayake, MBBS, PhD, FRCOG, FACOG, FSLCOG Medical Consultant Reproductive Health

Hony. Assistant Secretary Dr. Kapila Jayaratne MBBS, DCH, MSc, MD Consultant Community Physician; National Programme Manager Maternal & Child Morbidity & Mortality Surveillance, Ministry of Health

Hony. Assistant Secretary Dr. Prasad Katulanda, MBBS, MD, DPhil (Oxon) Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

SLMANEWS Hony. Assistant Secretary Dr. Nilakshi Samaranayake MBBS, DParasit, PhD Lecturer in Parasitology, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Hony. Assistant Secretary Dr. Rikaz Sheriff MBBS PGCert Med Ed, MSc Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Provincial Director of Health Services, Western Province

Honorary Treasurer Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa MBBS, MSc Lecturer in Family Medicine Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Honorary Assistant Treasurer Dr. V Murali MBBS, MSc, MD Specialist Community Physician, Management, Development and Planning Unit, Ministry of Health

Public Relation Officer Dr. Deepal Wijesooriya MBBs, MBA, Diploma in Phsychology Founder and Chairman of the Family Care Hospital (Pvt) Ltd.

Social Secretary Dr Dennis J Aloysius MBBS, FCGP, FSLCPaed, Hon. FCCP Family Physician

Social Secretary Dr Preethi Wijegoonewardene MBBS, DFM, FCGP Family Physician

Past President’s Representative Dr. Malik Fernando MB, ChB (Bristol) Retired Medical Practitioners

Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal)

Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) Dr. Anuruddha M Abeygunasekera MRCS Urological Surgeon, Colombo South Teaching Hospital Kalubowila

Prof. Janaka de Silva MBBS, MD, DPhil(Oxford), FRCP(London), FRCP(Edin.), FCCP, FRACP(Hon), MRCP(UK), FNAS(SL) Senior Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama

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SLMANEWS

Immediate Past Secretary Dr R Ajanthan MBBS, MD Consultant Paediatrician

Council Members

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Dr Chrishantha Abeysena MBBS, MSc, MD Senior Lecturer in Public Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama

Prof. Samath D. Dharmaratne MBBS, MSc, MD Consultant Community Physician; Associate Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya Peradeniya

Dr Palitha Abeykoon MD, MMed Chairman, AIDS Foundation of Lanka Advisor, World Health Organisation, South East Asia Regional Officer (SEARO) Senior Advisor, Ministry of Health

Dr Saminda M. Dharmaratne MBBS, DCH, MSc Medical Officer In charge – Health Information & Research Unit Teaching Hospital Kandy

Dr Udara Ariyasinghe MBBS, MSc, Pg Cert Med Ed. Medical Officer in Health Informatics Family Health Bureau Ministry of Health

Deshamanya Dr Vijith Gunasekera MBBS, MSc (Med Admin) Deputy Director, Cosmetics, Drugs and Devices Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Health

Prof Asita de Silva MBBS, MD, DPhil Professor of Pharmacology Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama

Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya MBBS (Cey.), DTPH (Lond.), Hony. Senior Fellow of the PGIM (Col.) Medical Director, GlaxoSmithKline

SLMANEWS

Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe MBBS, MD, FRCP, FCCP, MD (Bristol) Consultant Physician, Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Dr. Ajith De Silva Nagahawatte MBBS, Dip.Med.Micro, MD Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Karapitiya, Galle

Dr Clive C James MD, MSc Medical officer in Health Informatics Ministry of Health

Dr K Y S Perera MBBS Medical Officer RDHS Office, Anuradhapura

Dr. Indika Karunathilake MBBS, DMedEd, MMEdEd Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and Director, Medical Education Development & Research Centre (MEDARC) Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Dr Anuruddha Padeniya MBBS, MD Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo and Teaching Hospital, Kandy

Dr B Kumarendran MBBS, MSc Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama

Deshamanya Vidyajyothi Dr J B Peiris MD Consultant Neurologist Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo

Dr. Niroshan C. Lokunarangoda MBBS, MD Senior Registrar in Cardiology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka and Lecturer in Medicine, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura

Dr. S Raviraj MBBS, MS Consultant Surgeon, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna President, Jaffna Medical Association

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SLMANEWS

Dr Sunil Seneviratne Epa MD Consultant Physician Matara Nursing Home Matara

Dr Gamini Walgampaya MBBS,FCGP Family Physician

Dr S. Mathu MBBS, MD , Fellow ISN (International Society of Nephrology) Consultant Nephrologist Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura

Dr Vibash P. Wijeratne MBBS, MBA Senior Manager, Durdans Group of Hospitals, Colombo

Dr Samanmali Sumanasena MBBS, DCH, MD, MRCP Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Dr W M Arjuna Wijekoon MBBS, MSc Medical Officer in Health Informatics Health Information and Research Unit, Provincial Department of Health Services (North Western Province), Kurunegala

Dr Thayasivam Gobyshanger MBBS, MRCS, MS Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Teaching Hospital Batticaloa

The SLMA is the Association for All Doctors in Sri Lanka Join the SLMA Visit http://www.slma.lk for membership information

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SLMANEWS LAUNCH OF THE 4TH EDITION OF SLMA GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION ON VACCINES

The fourth edition of the SLMA Guidelines and Information on Vaccines was ceremonially launched at the Annual General Meeting of the SLMA on 17 December 2011. On behalf of the Prof. Jennifer Perera, Chair of the SLMA Committee on Communicable Diseases, Dr Lucian Jayasuriya handed over the first copy to Prof. Sanath Lamabadusuriya, President SLMA. A free copy is available for all members. If may be collected from the SLMA or a request could be made, when it will be supplied direct to the member. Additional copies are available for sale at the SLMA Office at Rs 300/- per copy.

AWARD OF SLMA RESEARCH GRANT 2011 The research proposals submitted for the above grant were reviewed and prioritized by a panel appointed by Research Promotion Committee.

The proposal titled “Analysis of Location Efficiency of Health Care Institutions in North Western Province using Location – Allocation modeling” submitted by Dr PVDS Dharmagunawardene (In-charge Medical Officer, Information, Technology and Research Unit, North Western Provincial Health Department) was selected for the SLMA Research Grant 2011.

SLMA Research Promotion Committee

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SLMANEWS

Sri Lanka Medical Association Regional Conference, Jaffna In collaboration with the Jaffna Medical Association 27 to 29 January 2012 PROGRAMME Friday, 27 January 2012 PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ON HEALTH CHALLENGES IN JAFFNA – THE WAY FORWARD Venue: Tilco Jaffna City Hotel

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09.00 am

Registration

09.30 am

Welcome address Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, President, SLMA

09.40 am

Address by Provincial Director of Health Services Dr. Rathini Jude, Provincial Director, Northern Province

09.50 am

Objectives of the workshop Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Assistant Secretary, SLMA

10.00 am

Address by Chief Guest Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health

10.30 am

TEA

11.00 am

The Health Care needs in the Jaffna District Dr. A Ketheeswaran, Regional Director of Health Services, Jaffna

11.15 am

Challenges faced by Obstetric teams Dr. K Mukunthan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

11.30 am

Challenges faced by Surgical teams Dr. S Raviraj, Consultant Surgeon, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

11.45 am

Challenges faced by Paediatricians Dr. (Mrs) G. Sathiyathas, Consultant Paediatrician, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

SLMANEWS 12.00 noon

Challenges faced by Medical teams Dr. P. Lakshman, Consultant Cardiologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

12.15 pm

Panel discussion – the way forward

01.15 pm

Vote of Thanks Dr. Lasantha Malavige, Secretary, SLMA Dr. S. Premakrishna, Secretary, JMA

01.30 pm

LUNCH

Friday, 27 January 2012 PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP Venue: Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna ETHICS REVIEW OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS Chairpersons: Prof. K. Sivapalan and Dr. S. Kannathasan PROGRAMME 09.00 am

Lighting of the oil lamp Address by Dr. Malik Fernando, Chairperson, Ethics Committee, SLMA Address by Prof. K. Sivapalan, Dean and Chairperson ERC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna

09.30 am

Aims & Objectives of Ethics Review; Responsibilities of ERC; International and Local Instruments Dr. Malik Fernando, Chairperson, Ethics Committee, SLMA

10.00 am

The structured review process: the eight segments: Scientific validity & Social value, Risk/Benefit Dr. Enoka Corea, Secretary, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

10.30 am

Respect for Participants: Information sheets, Consent; Vulnerable groups Dr. V. Murali, Consultant Community Physician, Ministry of Health

11.00 am

DISCUSSION

11.15 am

TEA BREAK

11.30 am

Collaborative Partnerships, International Collaborative Research Dr. Nilakshi Samaranayake, Member, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

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SLMANEWS 12.00 noon

Clinical Trials Dr. Godwin Constantine, Member, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

12.30 pm

Using animals in research Prof. Mangala Gunatilake, Member, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

01.00 pm

DISCUSSION

01.15 pm

LUNCH

02.00 pm

Research on herbal medicinal products Dr. Malik Fernando, Chairperson, Ethics Committee, SLMA

02.30 pm

Ethics Review Interactive Session - Discussion of sample research proposals

03.30 pm

Obtaining SIDCER Recognition Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, President, SLMA and Steering Committee member Forum for Ethical Review Committee in Asia and the Western Pacific

04.00 pm

Vote of thanks Dr. (Mrs.) S. T. Nawarathnaraja, Secretary ERC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna

04.15 pm

TEA

Friday, 27 January 2012 INAUGURATION Venue: Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna

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05.30 pm

Guests Take their Seats

05.45 pm

Academic Procession National Anthem JMA Song

06.00 pm

Traditional Lighting of the Oil Lamp

06.15 pm

Address by the President, Jaffna Medical Association Dr. S. Raviraj

06.30 pm

Address by the President, Sri Lanka Medical Association Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake

SLMANEWS 06.45 pm

Keynote Address by the Chief Guest Prof. Lalitha Mendis Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

07.15 pm

Address by the Guest of Honour Senior Prof. (Ms.) Vasanthi Arasaratnam Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna

07.30 pm

Vote of thanks by the Secretary Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr. Lasantha Malavige

07.45 pm

Cultural Show

08.15 pm

Reception

Saturday, 28 January 2012 SYMPOSIUM ON PROFESSIONALISM Venue: Public Library Auditorium - Jaffna Chairpersons: Dr. K. Umapathy and Dr. S. Sivayogan 08.30 am

The role of the SLMC in maintaining Professional Standards Prof. Lalitha Mendis, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

09.00 am

The role of the SLMA in promoting professionalism in the health sector Prof. Vajira HW Dissanayake, President, SLMA

09.30 am

Meeting patient expectations in health care delivery Dr. K. K. S. Karandagoda, Medical Director, Lanka Hospitals

10.00 am

TEA

SYMPOSIUM ON NEW TRENDS IN HEALTH CARE Venue: Public Library Auditorium - Jaffna Chairpersons: Dr. (Mrs.) S. Thaneswary and Dr. S. Balakumar 10.30 am

Advances in genetic diagnostics Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, President, SLMA

11.00 am

Recent advances in CT scan imaging of abdomen Dr. K Sivasithambaram, Consultant Radiologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

11.30 am

Advances in Health Ergonomics Dr. Kapila Jayarathne, Assistant Secretary, SLMA

12.00 noon

Lunch

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SLMANEWS SYMPOSIUM ON NON COMMUNICABLE DISORDERS Venue: Public Library Auditorium - Jaffna Chairpersons: Dr. P. Lakshman and Dr. Mrs. T. S. Navaratinaraja 01.00 pm

Burden of Chronic NCDs and risk factors in Sri Lanka Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Consultant Endocrinologist

01.15 pm

Facing the epidemic of NCDs in Sri Lanka - the role of the Ministry of Health Dr. V. Mallawarachchi, Consultant Community Physician, Non Communicable Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health

01.30 pm

The epidemic of Cardiovascular Diseases – Sri Lankan perspective Dr. Godwin Constantine, Consultant Cardiologist, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo

01.45 pm

Primary prevention of diabetes Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Consultant Endocrinologist

02.00 pm

Sexual Health and NCDs Dr. Lasantha Malavige, Secretary, SLMA

02.15 pm

TEA

Chairpersons: Prof. N. Sivarajah and Dr. A. Sritharan

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02.30 pm

Nutrition stress and NCD’s Dr. V Murali, Consultant Community Physician, Ministry of Health

02.45 pm

The role of exercise and physical activities in prevention of NCDs Dr. C Thurairaja, Consultant Radiologist, Sports Medicine and Family Physician

03.00 pm

The rising burden of Cancer and the Challenges faced for its Control Dr. N Jeyakumaran, Consultant Oncologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

03.15 pm

The role of the WHO – beyond the UN declaration Dr. Lanka Dissanayake, National Programme Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases, WHO

03.30 pm

A local model for NCD prevention The Nirogi Lanka Project Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Depity Director General (Public Health Services), Ministry of Health.

03.45 pm

DISCUSSION

04.30 pm

CLOSE

SLMANEWS Saturday, 28 January 2012 WORKSHOP ON BASIC STATISTICS FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH Medical Students Hostel Auditorium (In front of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna) 09.00 am – 01.00 pm Conducted by Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ragama 09.00 am

Design a Descriptive study

09.30 am

Design a Case Control study

10.00 am

Effect Measures

10.30 am

TEA

11.00 am

Data analysis – Descriptive studies

12.00 noon

Data analysis – Case Control studies

Sunday, 29 January 2012 WORKSHOP ON eHEALTH - OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Venue: Public Library Auditorium - Jaffna 09.00 am

Lighting of the oil lamp Address by Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissnayake, President, SLMA

09.30 am

Introduction to eHealth Dr. S. R. U Wimalaratne, Director Health Information, Ministry of Health

09.45 am

Streamlining of eHealth Dr. K. K. Pradeep Sylva, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health

10.00 am

The proposed solution Dr. Clive C. James, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health

10.15 am

DISCUSSION

10.30 am

TEA

11.00 am

Presentation by Intel Mr. Atul Bengeri, Industry Manager, South Asia – Healthcare, Intel

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SLMANEWS 11.30 am

eIMMR Dr. N.C. Kariyawasam, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health Dr. B. Dayaratne, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health

12.00 noon

Public Health Information System at MOH Level Dr. Semuthu Rodrigo, Post Graduate Trainee in Biomedical Informatics, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo

12.30 pm

HMIS development project in 17 hospitals of the North and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka Dr. Mujeeb Ismail, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health Mr. Thilak Mannemperi, Deputy General Manager, Foresight Engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

01.00 pm

LUNCH

02.00 pm

Hands on session An Electronic Health Record for Sri Lankan General Practitioners Dr. M. H. B. Ariyaratne, Postgraduate Trainee in Biomedical Informatics, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo Public Health Information system at MOH level Dr. Semuthu Rodrigo, Postgraduate Trainee in Biomedical Informatics, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo eIMMR Dr. N.C Kariyawasam, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health Dr. B. Dayaratne, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health

CLOSING CEREMONY 03.00 pm

Address by Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, President, SLMA

03.10 pm

Address by Dr. S. Raviraj, President, JMA

03.20 pm

Vote of Thanks by Dr. S. Premakrishna, Secretary, JMA

03.30 pm

TEA

Registration Conference – Rs. 1000/Pre Conference Workshop on Ethics Review of Research Proposals – Rs. 500/Workshop on Basic Statistics for Medical Research – Rs. 500/-

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SLMANEWS

If Undelivered Return To: Sri Lanka Medical Association 6, Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7 Registered at The Department of Post Under No: QD/23/NEWS/2012

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