SLMAnews-2012-04

NEWS THE OFFICIAL NEWS PAPER OF THE SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION APRIL 2012, Volume 5, No 4

ISSN 1800 4016

26 February 2012 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEETING HELD IN COLOMBO WHERE IT WAS RESOLVED TO FORM THE CEYLON BRANCH OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION On the 26th of February 1887, Dr. W. R. Kynsey (later Sir William Kynsey) spurred 15 men to meet in the Colonial Medical Library in Maradana Road, Colombo and resolved to establish in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) a Branch of the British Medical Association, which later became the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).

To mark the 125th anniversary of this meeting, former President of the SLMA, Dr. Dennis

Aloysius MBBS, FCGP, FSLCPaed, Hon. FCCP delivered a lecture titled “A brief history of the Sri Lanka Medical Association” on Sunday 26 February 2012 at 6.00 p.m. at the Lionel Memorial Auditorium of the Sri Lanka Medical Association at Wijerama House, 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. The meeting was attended by over 150 members of the SLMA. Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Chrissy Aloysius hosted the members to cocktails after the talk.

Dr. Dennis Aloysius delivering the lecture

SLMANEWS

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SLMANEWS WORLD HEALTH DAY EVENTS AT THE WIJERAMA HOUSE 29 February 2012 World Rare Diseases Day There is no universally accepted definition for a rare disease, but a disease that affects less than 1 person in 5000 could generally be considered a rare disease. There are over 6000 rare diseases and most of them affect children.

Treating them can be costly.

In Sri Lanka, the commonest rare disease is thalassaemia, which affects less than 1 in 3000 people in our population, the 2000 to 3000 patients affected with thalassaemia in Sri Lanka, however, take up anything up to 3% of the recurrent health budget to treat. Every year about 60 to 80 children are born with thalassaemia. Of these children 15% are born to families which already have a child with thalassaemia. Lets join hands to prevent thalassemia.

The SLMA marked the World Rare diseases day with a Symposium on Thalassaemia on 29

February 2012 at the Wijerama House.

Speaking at the Symposium Dr. Palitha Maheepala, Chairperson of the National Thalassaemia Council, Ministry of Health highlighted the steps taken by the Ministry of Health to reduce the burden of the disease in the country through carrier screening and reproductive advice. He also elaborated the steps taken to provide quality treatment for patients with thalassaemia. The SLMA President, Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, pointed out that taking steps to introduce Bone Marrow Transplantation to treat patients with thalassamia, which offers hope of a permanent cure, would be a way to reduce the heavy expenditure associated with providing long term transfusion services and improve the quality of life of patients with thalassaemia. Dr. Maheepala said that steps will be taken in the future to introduce Bone Marrow Transplantation services in Sri Lanka.

11 March 2012 World Kidney Day For the first time in the history of the SLMA, the SLMA organised a special research symposium on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) to mark the World Kidney Day. Researchers working in the field of CKDu read 24 research papers on a wide range of topics related to CKDu. Prof. Rezvi Sheriff, Senior Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo set the tone for the symposium by tracing its history. Dr. Palitha Maheepala, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health who is the Chairperson of the Research Coordinating Committee for CKDu described the steps taken by the Ministry in collaboration with the World Health

Organisatio (WHO) and other stakeholders to identify the aetiology of the condition. The researchers who have put forward the much talked about Arsenic theory also presented their data. Several research groups highlighted the social aspects of the condition which moved everyone. The research findings presented at the symposium would now add to the database being compiled at the ministry of health, and the official report would be available in due course.

Please see http://sundaytimes.lk/120318/News/nws_58.html for a news report on this symposium.

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SLMANEWS 21 March 2012 World Down Syndrome Day Sri Lanka Medical Association Working group on disability in collaboration with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) commemorated the World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st of March 2012.

The symposium was held at the Lionel Memorial Auditorium at Wijerama House. The session was chaired by the Dr. B.J.C. Perera President Elect for the SLMA for year 2013.

The panel of speakers included Prof. Asvini Fernando, President Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians and Professor in Paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Prof. Hemantha Senanayake Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Mr. Chanaka De Silva Attorney at Law and a father of a child with Down Syndrome and two special educational teachers Mrs. Indira Athurupana and Sharmini Seneviratne Herath from the Chitra Lane School for Special Children.

to identify the strengths of this people with Down Syndrome and the importance of working to empower them.

Prof. Asvini Fernando presented and Introduction to Down Syndrome and Optimizing Care for Children with Down Syndrome. She introduced the genetics and the medical features of Down Syndrome in a simplified manner and discussed on the importance of early intervention to improve the outcome of these children. She stressed the need to improve the skills of doctors to ensure confidentiality of such births and the importance of sensitizing the medical staff to breaking the news about the birth of a baby with such a condition. She showed examples of children who have done extremely well in life despite their disability specially with the common motto “they can do it�

The session began with an inspirati onal slide showing people with Down syndrome engaged in various jobs including technical and medical fields.

Prof Hemantha Senanayake discussed on the Role of the Obstetrician in Down Syndrome. He introduced the ante natal diagnostic procedures in identifying a fetus with Down Syndrome.

During his presentation he emphasised on the need to develop national guidelines to the medical staff on breaking the news about a pregnancy with a fetus with Down Syndrome or a birth of a baby with a Down Syndrome. He highly condoned hiding the diagnosis and divulging information in unprofessional and unethical manner.

The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Lalith Wijeyratne, Chairperson of the Working group in Disability and he stressed on the need

Mr. Chanaka de Silva delivered a very moving speech about their 13 year journey through the rough paths meeting numerous challenges. His

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SLMANEWS daughter is presently attending a private school in Colombo within a main stream class.

Their lives from the birth has been a turmoil, where they were given minimum instructions to look after this newborn who required special care and intervention. She had to undergo several surgeries. He explained how some family, friends and professional were helpful while the majority looked down on them. They have faced the biggest challenge when they sought education for her. Rejection has been the common experience. However he emphatically stated why he insisted on main stream schooling for her, “I learnt to stand in a queue, how to handle bullies, to interact with friends. I wanted that for my daughter, and today looking back I think I achieved that”. He spoke on behalf of thousands of children with Down Syndrome and their parents. He made suggestions to the medical profession to develop guidelines to improve the lives of children with Down Syndrome.

Starting from birth he reiterated the fact mentioned by the previous speakers. The need to give information to the parents in a gentle but in an explicit manner. Not to discourage parents on the day of birth by describing the child as a mentally retarded baby who is only

suitable to be a sweeper or a menial worker some day since the initial expressions given to parents do play a major role in the subsequent care of the child. To educate all workers in the health care settings including minor workers on the need to respect these families who give birth to children with birth defects and to make them the show pieces in the wards. Doctors to play a major role in changing the social attitudes toward children with all kinds of disabilities. To be advocates for the inclusive education of these children.

The representatives from the Chitra Lane school described the strengths of children with Down Syndrome and how they utilize those in providing education.

The ceremony was concluded with a beautiful dance recital performed by children of the Kosala Dullewa Foundation. The SLCP presented gifts to all these children as a mark of appreciation and the SLMA Working group on Disability make a financial award to signify empowerment by recognizing the strengths of these children. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Samanmali Sumanasena the coordinator of this programme.

22 March 2012 World Water Day The SLMA Working Group on Health Equity organised a seminar titled “Safe Water for All in Sri Lanka: Reiterating the ‘health argument’ to provide safe water to the rural poor” to commemorate the World Water Day, It highlighted the health burden from communicable and non communicable diseases (NCD) due to unsafe water, and the inequalities in the supply of safe water in Sri Lanka. The NCDs discussed included dental fluorosis, and potentially Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown origin (CKDu) and even diabetes (from persistent organic pollutants such as pesticides). Interventions suggested were monitoring drinking water quality (with Water Supply and Drainage Board and Epidemiology Unit collaborating); planning future townships

to ensure maximum cost effectiveness in water supplies, and a multisectoral approach to find a sustainable long-term solution in the face of a global water crisis.

The Seminar is the beginning of a series of activities that aim to promote the supply of safe water to all Sri Lankans in a sustainable manner. Speakers included Dr. Paba Palihawadana (Chief Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health), Dr. Irosha Perera, (Public Health Dental Specialist, Dental Institute), Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe, (Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine), Ms. Chandika V Dias (DirectorDevelopment, Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage) and Dr. T L Gunaruwan (Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics).

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SLMANEWS 2 April 2012 World Autism Day The Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) organised a symposium titled " Autism: The need for a constructive approach" at the Wijerama House to mark the World Autism Day. Dr. Firdosi Rustom Mehta, the representative of the World Health Organisation in Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest.

The other speakers at the symposium were Prof. Ashivini Fernando (President, SLCP), Prof.

Hemamali Perera (Professor in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Dr. Samanmali Sumanasena (Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University

of Colombo), Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya (Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children), Dr. Neil Thalagala (Consultant Community Physician in Charge of Disabilities, Family Health Bureau) , Ms Ianthe Perera (Speech and Language Therapist), Mr. William Roberts (Occupational Therapist), Ms. Tamara Handy (Special Education Teacher) and Dr. Anoma Jayathilake (Parent of a child with Autism). The speakers highlighted the significance of the problem of Autism in the community and the need to increase availability of services to care of children with Autism. The symposium concluded with a discussion and the development of a road map for future action to be undertaken by the SLCP.

Please see http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120415/Plus/plus_06.html for a news report on this symposium.

The speakers at the symposium participating the discussion Pictures in this section are curtsey of the Sunday Times.

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SLMANEWS CME SYMPOSIA AT THE WIJERAMA HOUSE Neurogenetics Symposium - 11 February 2012 The CME symposium on neurogenetics held on 11 February 2012 at the Wijerama House was well received by over 65 participants who attended it. Several members of the public, including parents of children with neurogenetic conditions attended the symposium. A mother of a child with Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy spoke on the need to expand services for patients affected with neurogenetic conditions.

Dr. Bimsara Senanayake, President of the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists, has already expressed his interest to support development of neurogenetic services and he

has planned to organise a neurogenetics symposium at the annual conference of the Association in November 2012.

Speakers included: Dr. Piyara Rathnayake (Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children), Dr. Jithangi Wanigasinghe (Senior Lecturer in Paediatricis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Professor Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (President, SLMA), Dr. Dulika Sumathipala and Dr. Nilam Thakur (MSc Students in Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo).

Symposium on Disorders of Sexual Development - 4 March 2012 The CME symposium on Disorders of Sexual Development held on 4 March 2012 at the Wijerama house too was well received by over 40 participants who attended it. The interest of the members of the public was evident from the participation of several of them at the symposium. While the symposium was of CME value, the resource persons also highlighted the need for SLMA, to address some of the social issues faced by patients with Disorders of Sexual Development, especially with regard to birth registration. The President of the SLMA said that he will take the matter up with the relevant authorities.

Speakers included: Prof. Shamya De Silva (Professor in Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Prof. Chandrika Wijeyarathne (Professor in Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Dr. Malik Samarasinghe (Senior Lecturer in Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Dr. Piyangalie de Soysa, Senior Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo), Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (President, SLMA) and Dr. Nirmala Sirisena (MSc Students in Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo),

Symposium on Meningococcal Disease, Epidemiology and Prevention 21 March 2012 The CME symposium on Meningococcal Disease, Epidemiology and Prevention organized by the Communicable Diseases Committee of the SLMA was held on 21 March 2012 at the Wijerama House. It was a timely symposium aimed at reminding doctors to be vigilant about meningococcal disease and the current stage of knowledge about the meningococcal disease in Sri Lanka.

Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for meningoccal disease which can occur as sporadic cases, outbreaks, and large epidemics.

There are 12 serogroups, but 6 Serogroups (A, B, C, X, Y W-135) are more common and reported as being responsible for outbreaks in different geographical settings. Reported case fatality rate in best of conditions is about 10% and in Asia this is much higher. Globally the highest incidence of meningococcal disease

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SLMANEWS occurs in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa and during epidemics and, the incidence can approach 1% of the population.

Overcrowding and travel to disease endemic countries are well known risk factors.

Meningococcal disease is quite rare in Sri Lanka and a number of sporadic cases have been reported in the recent past. Most of the cases were linked with travel to Middle East and the majority of index cases have ended in death. Currently the surveillance data are infrequent and there is no active surveillance specifically aimed at meningococcal disease.

In 1987, there was a Hajj-associated outbreak caused by serogroup A, and in 2001 by serogroup W135. The latter pathogen was carried back to regions as far apart as China and Latin America. Due to the occurrence of outbreaks following the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Arabian authorities have made it mandatory to obtain meningococcal vaccination for all Hajj pilgrims, and certification of vaccination is needed to obtain the travel visa. But how many receive the vaccine? Meningococcal vaccine doses sold for 2011 was 2731; Number of Hajj pilgrims for the year 2011 was 4388. Thus the possibility of issuance of bogus vaccination certificates cannot be ruled out.

At present we do not have good surveillance data as reported in recent reviews on meningococcal disease in the Asian region.

(Meningococcal disease in Asia: an underrecognized public health burden. A. VYSE,1* J. M. WOLTER,2 J. CHEN,1 T. NG,1 and M. SORIANO-GABARRO1 Epidemiol Infect. 2011 July; 139(7): 967–985.) Reporting of cases by clinical practitioners and Microbiology laboratories will improve the existing surveillance methods.

Thus, the above symposium was held with a view to updating knowledge of medical practitioners with regard to prevention and diagnosis of meningococcal disease. It is also aimed at strengthening ongoing surveillance to obtain more accurate data on disease burden and to formulate mechanisms to ensure vaccination of travelers. The following topics

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were presented at the symposium and a lively discussion ensued with several key recommendations.

The programme consisted of: Introduction and objectives: Professor Jennifer Perera Meningococcus: Serotypes, virulence factors & pathogenicity : Dr Malka Dissanayake, Consultant Microbiologist, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Ragama Meningococcal disease: clinical presentation : Dr Samanmali Sumanasena, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo Global and Local epidemiology, risk factors for Sri Lanka: a case analysis: Dr Samitha Ginige, Consultant Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health Are we ready to prevent spread of meningococcal disease? Role of quarantine services: Dr L B H Denuwara, Director, Quarantine Services, Ministry of Health Meningococcal vaccine: indications and efficacy: Professor Jennifer Perera, Professor of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo.

The following recommendations were made during the very interactive discussion that took place after the symposium.

A) Strengthening of surveillance: The current surveillance programme has to be upgraded.

As there are many hospitals manned by Microbiologists, the breakdown of aetiological agents causing meningitis has to be published in the Epidemiology Unit bulletin.

This should be the case for reporting bacterial meningitis caused by H influenzae, Pneumococci and Meningococci as these three diseases are vaccine preventable. Also in the epidemiological bulletin the cases of hepatitis A, B & C are reported as hepatitis. Further, extensive investigations (risk factors, method of transmission, vaccination status etc) into the cases of meningitis is necessary to establish policy on prevention of meningococcal disease becoming epidemic or endemic in this country.

B) Dissemination of available data locally and internationally: There is no surveillance data published from Sri Lanka in WHO reports or any other international

SLMANEWS literature. We have good health indicators and human resources which are better, than in most countries in the region and thus should strive to publish the aetiology based meningitis surveillance data.

C) Mandatory Laboratory reporting to Epidemiology Unit: Currently it is not a mandatory requirement for laboratories to report. It is optional or voluntary. The above could be implemented through appropriate legislation and the Epidemiology Unit should take leadership on this aspect.

D) Ensuring vaccination of travelers to Middle East: Currently it is Mandatory for travellers to Hajj festival to be immunized to enter Saudi Arabia and certification of vaccination is needed. Bogus certificates are being used as there is a huge discrepancy between the number of travelers and Hajj festival attendees. It recommended placing the

original vaccine vial sticker in the certificate to prevent false certification of vaccination.

E) Screening: Screening of ME returnees for carriage of meningococci: Limited surveillance data show that some of the contacts of index cases were house maids returning from Middle East. It would be important to study the degree of carriage in these returnees to ascertain the possible contributory risk factors to meningococcal disease. This would be possible with collaboration from the Foreign Employment Bureau through their post arrival health screening programs.

F) Education of Health care workers: Education of the doctors & health care personnel on the epidemiological risk factors, disease presentation, management and prevention of spread to contacts is important to prevent this disease becoming endemic in Sri Lanka.

PRESIDENT SLMA CHIEF GUEST AT THE 20th PHARMA PROMOTERS ASSOCIATION QUIZ NITE

The President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, was the chief guest at the Quiz Nite of the Pharma Promoters Association on 10 March 2012 at Hotel Galadhari in Colombo. The Quiz night was attended by over 200 members of the association. In his address, the President,

echoed the call on the pharmaceutical industry, in the SLMA declaration on Health, to abide by the ethical standards for promotion of medicinal drugs and devices as laid down in "Ethical Criteria for the Promotion of Medicinal Drugs and Devices in Sri Lanka" formulated by the Sri Lanka Medical Association in 1996.

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SLMANEWS HEMAS eRESOURCE CENTRE AT THE WIJERAMA HOUSE Serving the medical profession since 2004

FREE to all healthcare professionals at SLMA

Products & Services Broadband Internet / E-mail Full text electronic access to Journals Submit a Paper to a Medical Journal/Article Submission Submit a Manuscript to the Key Medical Journals Job surfing for foreign training Free ,Reliable & Comprehensive Online Visa Application Process facilities (Australia) –Start , complete and lodge online application, attach documents to a lodged online application, check the progress of your online lodged application (for foreign training) Online booking-Conference, Hotel, Air Ticket, etc...

IELTS Preparation facilities MRCP Exam Resources

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm for further information please contact: K. Knowlden, Tel No: 0114740023/0755762876

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SLMANEWS

Demise of Prof. Stella Gertrude De Silva Past President Sri Lanka Medical Association

The President and the Council of the Sri Lanka Medical Association express their Deepest Sympathies to the family and relatives of

Prof. Stella Gertrude De Silva Please see http://sundaytimes.lk/120318/News/nws_58.html for an appreciation of Dr. De Silva.

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SLMANEWS THE SLMA WELCOMES ALL THE NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE ASSOCIATION IN 2012

The SLMA is the Association for All Doctors in Sri Lanka Join the SLMA Visit http://www.slma.lk for membership information and to download applications Life Members

Dr M. Y. M. Ajwath Dr L. R. Nadeeshani Basnayake Dr M. P. N. S. Cooray Dr M. K. D. R. B Dayaratne Dr G. L. K. Ekanayake Dr P. M. Gunaratne Dr H. M. J. P. Herath Dr B. D. W. Jayamanne Dr P.C. Jayaweera Dr M. K. C. Mendis Dr K. H. D. Milroy Dr N. J. A. H. D. Perera Dr J. M. H. Perera Dr S. S. L. Perera Dr K. M. N. Perera Dr Harshani Rajapakse Dr R. M. H. E. Ratnayake Dr T. N. Tennakoon Dr T. K. Vithanage Dr T. D. P. Vithanage Dr J. M. R. W. W. Wadanamby Dr C. M. Abeysekara Dr A. S. A. Abeywardene Dr S. A. Abhayaratna Dr D. S. Alahapperuma Dr R. L. Aluthwalage Dr W. D. M. G. Amarasinghe Dr M. S. Amaratunge Dr W. L. Amila Nuwan Dr A. Anuratha Dr W. N. D. P. C. Appuhamy Dr T. Aravinthan Dr M. H. B. Ariyaratne Dr Y. M. A. Ariyaratne Dr N. Atapattu Dr L. K. Athauda Dr N. A. Bandara Dr N. A. Bartholameuz Dr A. P. S. Beneragama Dr J. N. Boniface Dr T. S. K. R. D. Caldera Dr T. G. D. Chandimalee Dr P. C. Chandrasinghe Dr P. Chandrasiri Dr P. A. D. Coonghe Dr M. M. A. S. Cooray

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Dr G. E. D. De Soysa Dr L. N. Delpachithra Dr K. K. G. C. U. K. Dharmadasa Dr N. Dickmadugoda Dr G. R. N. S. B. Dissanayaka Dr W. D. N. Dissanayake Dr D.M.L.R. Dissanayake Dr D. M. D. Dissanayake Dr N. P. Dolawaththa Dr H. Edirimanne Dr E. P. D. S. Ediriweera Dr N. K. Ekanayaka Dr I. R. N. Fernando Dr D. G. S. V. D. Gajasinghe Dr D. G. Gamage Dr D. J. H. Gunasekara Dr N. H. Gunawardena Dr M. B. Gunetilleke Dr J. Hamsanthy Dr D. V. T. Harischandra Dr K. K. W. H. P. Herath Dr S Hettige Dr L. K. Hirimuthugoda Dr B. S. Jalathge Dr M. R. G. Jansz Dr L. R. A. B. Jayaratne Dr P. K. Jayasekera Dr G. M. Jayasena Dr A. D. Jayasinghe Dr I. K. Jayasinghe Dr T. M. A. H. Jayathilake Dr S. K. Jayatilleke Dr V. Jeevagan Dr M. C. Kamkanamge Dr U. G. A. C. Kariyawasam Dr NC Kariyawasam Dr R. L. Karunaratna Dr W. C. D. Karunaratne Dr R. A. C. Kumara Dr S. A. F. Kurukulasuriya Dr I. K. Liyanage Dr P. C. Liyanage Dr P. L. G. C. Liyanage Dr A. S. Malavige Dr M. G. C. P. Marasinghe Dr R. N. Morawakkorala

Dr M. M. M. Muzrif Dr W. M. I. D. Nakkawita Dr S. Namasivayam Dr G. C. Nanayakkara Dr M. A. Niriella Dr N. P. Panapitiya Dr C. K. Pathirana Dr K. C. P. Perera Dr U. D. C. A. Perera Dr C. R. Perumal Dr M. S. Pinnawala Dr D. L. B. Piyasiri Dr M. L. G. Piyatissa Dr I. H. D. S. Prabath Dr I. H. D. S. Pradeep Dr K. Pratheepan Dr A. Ragupathy Dr S. V. Rajasinghe Dr M. R. M. Ramshad Dr R. A. N. D. Ranasinghe Dr K. R. W. M. G. K. K. P. Rathnayake Dr M. A. C. S. W. Rathnayake Dr M. M. A. Rifkhan Dr D. Rubasinghe Dr H. S. K. Ruwanpathirana Dr L. B. Samarakoon Dr Y. M. Samarakoon Dr M. B. Samarawickrama Dr S. Sasivathani Dr M. G. Sathiadas Dr B. S. Sebastianpillai Dr J. Seevaratnam Dr S. A. S. C. Senanayake Dr SM Senanayake Dr D. T. Senanayake Dr L. D. J. U. Senarath Dr S.M.D.D.N. Senarathna Dr P Shanmugasundaram Dr M. I. F. Shiyana Dr L. S. M. Sigera Dr C. Sirigampala Dr N. Sivarajah Dr L. Somaratunga Dr S. P. B. H. Sudasinghe Dr Y. W. S. Suranadee

SLMANEWS Dr K. Swaminathan Dr K. Thurairajah Dr T. J. Tilakaratna Dr P. V. S. C. Vithana Dr L. U. Wanigabadu Dr I. M. Wasthuhewa Arachchi

Ordinary Members

Dr K. R. A. Atukorala Dr A. G. Gamage Dr R. I. Gunaratna Dr K. L. W. Hathagoda Dr I. D. M. Mabharana Dr A. U. Pathirana Dr W. M. T. M. Perera Dr K. G. S. Perera Dr S. K. Perera Dr R. M. G. M. Ratnayake Dr L. P. Ruwanpura Dr P. Somaratne Dr L. T. Wijeratne Dr K. D. D. S. Wijeweera Dr A. U. Adikari Dr M. T. J. Amarasekera Dr D. A. C. Amarasinghe Dr M. M. M. P. Bogamuwa Dr K. G. J. De Silva

Student Members

Miss. K. Abarna Miss. G. G. Abeyratne Mr. H. L. P. Amarasena Miss. P. H. U. Cooray Miss. W. E. G. K. L. Dayananda Miss. G. H. M. Dayaratne Miss. M. K. N. Dilrukshi Miss. T. A. A. O. T. Jayaweera Mr. H. M. J. T. Jothirathna Miss. U. S. Molligoda Miss. F. S. Naseem Miss. W. S. N. Perera Mr. I. M. S. Perera Mr. M. H. M. T. S. Perera Miss. Rifau Ali Mr. L. L. D. N. Alwis Miss. D. D. C. Amarasinghe Miss. M. Y. Amarasuriya Miss. G. M. T. R. Bandara Miss. K. K. S. Chinthanie Miss. D. G. H. Damayanthi Mr. A. M. N. L. De Silva

Dr AS Weeraghandi Dr R. M. Weerakkody Dr V. S. Weerasekara Dr L. L. Weerathunga Dr S. W. A. D. A. Wickramasinghe Dr S.C. Wickramasinghe

Dr M. H. W. M. N. Wijayapala Dr D. P. D. Wijesinghe Dr K. G. P. Wijesinghe Dr W. D. U. M. Wijesinghe Dr C. E. Wijesuriya Dr W. K. D. K. K. Wiyayaweera

Dr D. C. De Silva Dr E. A. S. T. Edirisinghe Dr W. S. U. Fernando Dr W. M. P. M. O. Fernando Dr T. D. S. Gunasekera Dr K. D. T. T. Gunathilaka Dr W. A. E. Gunatilake Dr B. M. B. Gunawardana Dr Y. C. Jayasinghe Dr W. J. U. Jayawardena Dr N. S. Kannangara Dr K. G. C. L. Kapugama Dr R. L. Lawrence Dr B. A. G. G. Mahendra Dr K. Medagoda Dr M. M. B. Mirando Dr M. N. F. Mufeena Dr F. I. Nazeera Dr W. E. A. Nishanka Lakmini

Dr D. Rajaratnam Dr G. S. P. Ranasinghe Dr H. M. Ranasinghe Dr R. A. N. Ranathunga Dr T. G. S. D. Randenikumara Dr S. A. S. G. Samaraweera Dr R. A. S. M. Seneviratne Dr K. K. Sooriyaarachchi Dr M. B. U. D. Sooriyaarachchi Dr T. D. P. Tharanga Dr S. H. Uyangoda Dr I. Vijevaragunathan Dr N. A. A. Weerasinghe Dr W. A. L. K. Weerasooriya Dr P. N. Weeratunga Dr P. A. J. N. Wickramaratne Dr K. H. Wickramasinghe

Mr. D. J. D. P. de Silva Miss. L. C. Devasurendra Mr. T. W. S. Dhananjaya Mr. N. A. Buddhika Dias Miss. M. D. P. Dilhani Mr. G. T. D. Fernando Miss. J. C. J. Silva Mr. R. J. M. K. A. Jayasundara Miss. S. D. Jayawickrema Miss. S. S. L. Kularathne Miss. D. L. N. D. Kularathne Miss. B. C. Lakmini Mr. M. A. J. I. Mallawaarachchi Miss. S Muthukrishnan Mr. Mohamed Nadheem Mr. S. U. Nagasinghe Mr. K. D. L. Nanayakkara Miss. R. S. Nanayakkara Miss. K. Nisha Mr. S. Prasath Mr. H. Premarathna Mr. P. R. A. N. S. Rajapaksha

Mr. P. S. Ranawaka Miss. S. R. R. Samaranayake Mr. A. A. D. N. S. Saparamadu Mr. S. Sarangan Miss. L. U. H. Sarathkumara Miss. L. T. K. Silva Mr. G. A. N. Silva Miss. S. R. G. B. Smaranayaka Miss. W. R. S. Soysa Miss. S. M. V. Subasinghe Miss. Samakha Subasinghe Miss. D. P. Suriyamudlige Mr. K. R. Tharshanan Miss. K. D. Thilini Dinesha Mr. R. Thuvarathipan Mr. T. A. D. Tilakaratne Miss. P. R. Waraketiya Mr. P. C. I. Wijesinghe Miss. D. S. Wijesundere Miss. P. S. A. Wijewickrama Mr. S. S. Withana

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SLMANEWS

Sri Lanka Medical Association

Central Regional Conference 18 & 19 May 2012

Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy in Collaboration with the

Kandy Society of Medicine CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Friday, 18 May 2012 08.00 am

Registration

INAUGURATION 08.40 am

Guests Take their Seats

08.50 am

Ceremonial Procession

09.00 am

Traditional Lighting of the Oil Lamp & National Anthem

09.05 am

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

09.20 am

Address by the President, Kandy Society of Medicine Dr. I. N. Lekamge

09.35 am

Keynote Address by the Chief Guest Prof. Nimal Senanayake Senior Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya President SLMA 1999

10.05 am

Vote of thanks by the Secretary, Kandy Society of Medicine Dr. Charles Antonypillai

10.15 am

TEA

SYMPOSIUM ON HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE CENTRAL PROVINCE – THE WAY FORWARD Chairpersons: Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (President, Sri Lanka Medical Association) Dr. Shanthi Samarasinghe, Provincial Director of Health Services, Central Province 10.30 am

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Challenges in the Kandy District Dr I. N. Lekamge Consultant Interventional Radiologist President, Kandy Society of Medicine

SLMANEWS 10.50 am

Challenges in the Nuwara Eliya District Dr R. K. L. S. Rajapaksha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist Immediate Past President, Hill Country Clinical Society

11.10 am

Challenges in the Matale District Dr. A. B. Kiridena, Consultant ENT Surgeon, President, Matale Clinical Society

11.30 am

Panel discussion – the way forward

12.15 pm

LUNCH

SYMPOSIUM ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Chairpersons: Prof. U. Illangasekera, Professor of Medicine, University of Peradeniya Dr. Subashini Jayawickrama, Consultant Cardiologist, Teaching Hospital, Kandy 01.00 pm

The Burden of Chronic NCDs and Risk Factors in Sri Lanka Dr. Prasad Katulanda, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Consultant Endocrinologist

01.15 pm

WHO’s strategy for prevention and control of NCDs Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, National Professional Officer (NCD) World Health Organisation Office, Sri Lanka

01.30 pm

Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Dr. Charles Antonypillai, Consultant Endocrinologist, Teaching Hospital, Kandy

01.45 pm

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Dr. Rohini Tennakoon, Consultant Cardiologist, Teaching Hospital, Kandy

02.00 pm

Exercise and Physical Activities for the Prevention of NCDs Dr. C. Thurairaja, Consultant Radiologist and Sports Medicine and Family Physician President, Asian Federation of Sports Medicine

02.30 pm

A local model for NCD prevention - The Nirogi Lanka Project Prof. Chandrika Wijeyaratne, Chairperson, NIROGI Lanka Project

03.00 pm

TEA

SYMPOSIUM ON STRENGTHENING POST STROKE CARE 03.15 pm

The burden of stroke in Sri Lanka Dr. Udaya Ranawaka Senior Lecturer and Consultant Neurologist, Department of Medicine University of Kelaniya

3.35 pm

Current status of post-stroke services in an international perspective Prof Stephen Davis President Elect of World Stroke Organization Director of Neurosciences and Continuing Care Royal Melbourne Hospital, Director Melbourne Brain Centre @ RMH

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SLMANEWS Professor of Translational Neuroscience University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia 3.55 pm

Strengthening Post Stroke Services in Sri Lanka Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne President, National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka Consultant Neurologist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo

415 pm

Rehabilitation of stroke patients Dr. Lalith Wijeratne Consultant Rheumatologist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo

4.45 pm

CLOSE

Saturday, 19 May 2012 SYMPOSIUM ON PROFESSIONALISM Chairperson: Dr. A. G. Buthpitiya, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya Dr. Lasantha Malavige, Secretary, SLMA 08.30 am

The role of the SLMA in Promoting Professionalism among Medical Professionals Prof. Vajira HW Dissanayake, President, SLMA

09.00 am

The role of the SLMC in Maintaining Professional Standards Prof. Lalitha Mendis Former President, Sri Lanka Medical Council

09.30 am

Continuing Professional Development Dr. V. Murali Convenor, National Center for CPD in Medicine (NCCPDIM)

10.00 am

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

10.30 am

Patient Safety Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa Consultant Family Physician, Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo

11.00 am

TEA

SYMPOSIUM ON SEXUAL MEDICINE AND CONTRACEPTION organised in collaboration with the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka 11.15 am

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Common male sexual dysfunctions- Psychosexual and medical management Dr. Lasantha Malavige Specialist in Sexual Medicine

SLMANEWS 11.45 am

Common male sexual dysfunctions -Beyond medical management Dr. Ajith Malalasekara Consultant Urological Surgeon and Senior Lecturer Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

12.15 pm

LUNCH

SYMPOSIUM ON SEXUAL MEDICINE AND CONTRACEPTION 01.00 pm

New developments in Contraception Dr. Pramilla Senanayake President Family Planning Association Vice President, SLMA

01.30 pm

Contraception - Available options Dr. Sumithra Tissera Medical Director, Family Planning Association

02.00 pm

Achievements & challenges in National Family Planning Programme Dr. Chithramalee De Silva Deputy Director, Family Health Bureau

02.45 pm

TEA

PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT ON HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE KANDY 03.00 pm

Arrival of the Minster of Health

03.05 pm

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

03.15 pm

Health Challenges in the Central province– Report of the Symposium Dr. V. Murali, Assistant Treasurer, SLMA

03.45 pm

Discussion

04.15 pm

Address by the Minister of Health

04.45 pm

Vote of Thanks Dr. Lasantha Malavige Secretary, SLMA

04.45 pm

CLOSE

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SLMANEWS

WORKSHOPS Friday, 18 May 2012 ETHICS REVIEW OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS This workshop is for members of ERCs, researchers and prospective researchers. It aims to serve as a refresher/training for ERC members and to provide researchers and prospective researchers an idea of how research proposals are assessed so as to enable them to prepare their applications in a form that would enable expeditious review and minimize delays.

This workshop is an activity of the Forum of Ethics Review Committees of Sri Lanka (FERCSL) set up by the SLMA.

Chairpersons: Prof. P. V. R. Kumarasiri, Associate Professor of Community Medicine, University of Peradeniya Dr. Shanthini Rosairo, Senior Lecturer in Radiology, University of Peradeniya 10.30 am

Chairman’s Introductory remarks

10.45 am

Aims & Objectives of Ethics Review; Responsibilities of ERC; International and Local Instruments & Guides Prof. Hemantha Senanayake Chairman, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

11.15 am

The structured review process: the eight segments: Scientific validity & Social value, Risk/Benefit Dr. Vathsala Jayasuriya, Secretary, Ethics Review Committee Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Member, Ethics Review Committee, Sri Lanka Medical Association

11.45 am

Respect for Participants: Information sheets, Consent; Vulnerable groups Dr. Chandanie Wanigatunge Chairperson, Ethics Review Committee Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Secretary, Ethics Review Committee, Sri Lanka Medical Association

12.15 pm

Discussion

12.30

LUNCH

01.15 pm

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

01.45 pm

Clinical trials in compliance with GCP guidelines Dr. Priyadarshani Galappatthy Member, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

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SLMANEWS 02.15 pm

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

02.45 pm

Discussion

03.15 pm

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

Saturday, 19 May 2012 eHEALTH - OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Chairpersons:Dr. S.R.U. Wimalaratne (Director Information, Ministry of Health) Dr. W.G.A. Dissanayake (Director, Teaching Hospital, Kandy) 09.00 am

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

09.30 am

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

10.00 am

Presentation by Intel

10.30 am

TEA

11.00 am

Open MRS based Hospital Information system Dr. Saminda M. Dharmaratne Medical Officer In charge – Health Information & Research Unit Teaching Hospital, Kandy

11.15 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

11.30 am

The Implementation of Hospital Health Information Management System in District Hospital - Dompe Dr. K.B Sampath Kulathilaka Medical Officer, District Hospital, Dompe Mr. Shriyananda Rathnayake Project Manager, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka

11.45 am

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

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SLMANEWS 12.00 pm

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

12.15 pm

Introduction to the National eHealth Base Documents Dr. Clive C. James, Medical Officer in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health

12.30 pm

Discussion

12.45 pm

LUNCH

01.30 pm

Strategic Plan for Management of Information & Electronic Communication in the North Western Province Dr. W .M. A. Wijekoon Assistant Director (Health Information) Health Information and Research Unit Provincial Department of Health Services, North Western Province

01.45 pm

Maternal and Child Health Management Information System Dr. M. Subodha Manoj Project Coordinator – Health Information Systems Health Informatics Society of Sri Lanka

02.00 pm

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

02.15 pm

Discussion

02.30 pm

CLOSE

Registration: Conference – Rs. 1,000/Workshop on Ethics Review of Research Proposals – Rs. 500/Workshop on eHealth Opportunities and Challenges – Rs. 500/Registration Includes: Entrance to conference Conference Programme Book Other free CME material distributed by the SLMA Morning and Afternoon Tea, and Lunch

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