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CONTENTS Page No.
Cover Story
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
July 2015, Volume 8, issue 07
Inauguration of the 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress and the SLMA Oration 2015
08, 09, 10, 12, 14
Editor-In-Chief: Prof. Sharmini Gunawardena
News
Committee:
President's message
02
What have we done with private practice?
03
A Note on the Strategy for Elimination of Filariasis
03
Let's keep Sri Lanka malaria free
03
SLMA Health Run & Walk
SLMA News Editorial Committee-2015
04, 06, 07
Inauguration of the 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress and the SLMA Oration 2015
08, 09, 10, 12, 14
The 128th Anniversary International
Dr. Amaya Ellawala Dr. Iyanthi Abeyewickreme Prof. Deepika Fernando Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva
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Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association
15, 16, 18
SLMA Doctors' Concert
18, 20
Official Newsletter of The Sri Lanka Medical Association. Tele: +94 112 693324 E mail: office@slma.lk
Professor Jennifer Perera MBBS, MD (Col), MBA(Wales), PgDip MedEd (Dundee), PgDip Women’s Studies(Col). President, Sri Lanka Medical Association, No 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.
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July 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I
t is with much satisfaction that I write this message for the July newsletter. The 128th International Medical Congress that concluded recently was a great success. The comments and feedback provided by most international and local faculty and participants have been mostly positive and satisfying. However, we have planned a review meeting to look back at the congress proceedings with a view to making improvements for the next and subsequent years. I thank all those who provided me with very useful and constructive feedback, which goes on to show the interest of the membership in matters of the SLMA. This engagement is very much valued. I take this opportunity to thank those who contributed by putting their heart and soul into organizing the congress and related activities such as the health walk and run, the 10 pre and post congress sessions, the inauguration, the popular doctors’ concert and the banquet. The Scientific programme was led by Dr. Padma Gunaratne and I thank all those who rallied around to compile a very stimulating and interesting programme which catered to the needs of different specialties as well as general medical officers. The conduct of three parallel sessions made this choice possible. The contributions to the scientific congress by all the resource persons, judges and chairpersons are greatly appreciated. Drs Navoda Atapattu and Kalyani Guruge arranged the conference logistics in relation to hotel and food arrangements and managed to negotiate a very good conference and banquet package with Hotel Galadari and I am truly grateful to both of you. The poster and oral presentations highlighted new research areas that are being conducted in the country and my appreciation is extended to all those young and old researchers who presented their work at the sessions. We are going to take forward some of these results with a view to getting at least a few into practice. Organising the SLMA health walk
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and run was a mammoth task and was led by Dr. Samanthi de Silva with the collective effort of many. A special word of thanks to Dr. Kalyani Guruge who was instrumental in getting the Brandix sponsored tee shirt at very short notice, which was one of the hallmarks of our SLMA health run and walk. The Minster of Health, Hon Rajitha Senaratne was one of the first to arrive on site at 6.15 am!!! He opened the health check centre, after which he addressed the gathering. The health check centre was very popular as observed by the long queue leading to the marquee tent. The blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference and BMI of participants were calculated and armed with their health check diagnosis card they sought the advise or treatment from physical and nutrition therapists or doctors on site. For over 100 medical students who manned the health clinics with support from many doctors this would have been an unforgettable experience. The doctors’ concert was organized almost single handedly by Dr. Christo Fernando. He was guided by Drs Preethi Wijegunawardene and Lasantha Malavige. It had many novel and innovative items and was the best concert ever. My heartfelt appreciation goes to Christo, his accompanying musicians and all the performers and especially to Southern Symphony from Galle. The performances were flawless and I thank all performers for their effort and commitment for making this so special. I thank Dr. Chiranthi Liyanage for compering both the banquet and the inauguration. She did an excellent job besides having saved the SLMA money that is paid to a professional compere. The cultural show for the
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inauguration was performed by Colombo Medical Students. The talent we have amidst us is unimaginable. There were so many that helped in organising the July events in a successful manner as you can see from the picture below. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I was truly inspired by the commitment of those who came forward to help both within and outside the council and I enjoyed working with all of you. Last, but not least I thank Dr. Ranil Jayawardene, the ever smiling, energetic honorary Secretary; the Assistant Secretaries, Priyani, Shamini, Sudharshi and Sharmini; also Amaya, Ashwini, Hasini, Sahan, Priyanga and Thusha; and the Pre-interns, Dharshana, Yasitha, Jeyantha Kumar, Kelani; the President-Elect, Iyanthi and the administrative staff at SLMA led by Mr Rajasingham for their magnanimous support in making this event a success. Yet, I am very conscious of the amount of money spent for hotels for conducting these events which makes us dependent on the Pharmaceutical Industry and it truly bothers my conscience. Currently we have more that 40 medical professional colleges and associations in Sri Lanka and I believe that it is important for us to think of having our own convention centre. I am sure this is feasible if all of us work together towards having a self sustainable convention centre and the state would very likely fund such a venture taking into consideration the enormous contribution provided to the country by its’ medical fraternity. I extend a warm invitation to all professional colleges to work towards it under the SLMA banner. Professor Jennifer Perera
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July 2015
WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH PRIVATE PRACTICE? Dear Editor, We write in sincere appreciation of Dr. Panduka Karunanayake’s piece in the April issue of the SLMA newsletter titled ‘What has private practice done to us?’ This was discussed at the last meeting of the College of General Practitioners’ Values Committee. Panduka holds up a mirror so that we can look at the pros and cons. Speaking for ourselves, we rejoice in seeing many peers who enjoy the good life made possible by private practice. This they richly deserve. Indeed there are many colleagues who are able to balance their obligations to their patients, their colleagues, their profession, their families
albeit with some effort. As an intelligent subset of the most highly evolved species on earth, medical practitioners can and do make choices which are appropriate for themselves and their patients without losing the plot. If on the other hand doctors neglect their duty to their patients in the pursuit of happiness, then surely it must be of concern to all of us. Perhaps then the question should be ‘What have we done with private practice?’ Thank you, Panduka. From: Drs. Duncan Bujawansa, Percy Motha, Eugene Corea, Ms. Christine Perera, Mr. Ashraff Jainudeen & Mr. W. Ramasinghe
MALARIA COUNT 2015 cases to date
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All are imported! Let’s keep Sri Lanka
malaria free
A NOTE ON THE STRATEGY FOR ELIMINATION OF FILARIASIS
M
oving Towards a Filariasis Free Sri Lanka - A Summary of the Symposium organised by the SLMA Expert Committee on Communicable Diseases (SLMA News, Volume 8(5), May 2015).
Articles by Dr. Hasini Banneheke, Dr. Dilhani Samarasekera and Professor Mirani Weerasooriya summarise the current status of lymphatic filariasis in Sri Lanka where a marked reduction in filarial infections has been observed following mass drug administration (MDA) over 5 years (2001-2006).This was followed by post MDA surveillance
carried out according to WHO guidelines.
larial infections in all filarial endemic countries.
None of the submissions mentioned the fact that the strategy used for the reduction or elimination of lymphatic filariasis was developed after years of painstaking research carried out at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and the National Hospital, Colombo. In summary, a two drug combination given once a year for 5 years was followed. After these studies were replicated elsewhere, the WHO decided to use it as the strategy for elimination of fi-
This was indeed a significant contribution made by Sri Lanka towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis globally. Mahroof Ismail, Emeritus Professor of Parasitology, University of Colombo,Former Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo; Member of WHO Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group for lymphatic filariasis, Geneva; Chairman WHO Programme Review Group, SE Asia 2001-2006
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July 2015
T
he Annual Sri Lanka Medical Association Health Run and walk was held for the 4th successive year under the slogan, ‘Walk for Health, Health is Wealth’ on 28th June 2015 in conjunction with the 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress, with the aim of promoting a healthy life style among the medical fraternity as well as the general public. The event was graced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Rajitha Senarathne. The event attracted enthusiastic public participation with around 500 competing in the run and about 2000 joining the walk, with both events taking place on a 3 km route. Runs were held for men and women and 10 winners each were selected separately from among doctors and the general public. Winners were awarded valuable prizes with all the runners receiving gift packs and certificates. Free T-shirts as well as healthy snacks
and drinks were provided to the public at the BMICH grounds, which hosted the event. Fulfilling the public health promotion goals of the SLMA, a health check was conducted for the participating public which even included lung function tests conducted by the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists. A yoga demonstration was done prior to the walk as warm up, and following the walk an interactive session on healthy cooking was done by the renowned Chef Publis Silva. Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka and Physiotherapists from the Allied Health Sciences Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, shared their expertise with the participating public. This annual event continues to grow each year and provides a great avenue for public outreach for the SLMA.
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Run and walk..
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Run and walk..
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July 2015
T
he Inauguration of the 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress and the SLMA Oration 2015 was held on the 5th of July 2015 at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo. The Chief Guest at the occasion was Professor Mohan de Silva, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, while Dr. Jacob Kumaresan, the WHO Representative in Sri Lanka was the Guest of Honour. The much revered SLMA oration 2015 was delivered by Dr. Thashi Chang, Senior Lecturer and Specialist Neurologist of the Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, and was entitled “Friendly fire – neurons under attack! Studies from Sri Lanka”. After a colourful and vibrant cultural show performed by medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, a grand reception followed. The welcome address delivered by the President of the SLMA, Professor Jennifer Perera, is given below. The Chief Guest this evening, Prof Mohan de Silva, Guest of Honour, Dr. Jacob Kumaresan, The orator of the prestigious SLMA oration, Dr. Thashi Chang, the Board of Trustees and Past Presidents of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, Council members, members of the SLMA, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure and privilege to warmly welcome you all this evening to the inauguration ceremony of the 128th Anniversary International Medical
Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. As most of you are aware, the SLMA is the oldest medical association in Australasia, commencing its activities in 1887, as the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association. This later became the Ceylon Medical Association in 1951, and disengaged itself from the British Medical Association in 1957, to become an independent organization. The current name “Sri Lanka Medical Association” was adopted, with the promulgation of the new democratic socialist republic in 1972. Over the years, the Association has grown steadfast, expanding its membership, and extending the scope of its activities, to safeguard, maintain and promote the interests, and honour of the medical profession, in their service to the nation. The initial objectives of the organisation were mostly confined to providing opportunities for continuous professional development, advocacy for comprehensive curative and preventive health services, promoting professionalism, good medical practice and
ethical conduct, encouraging ethical medical research, educating the public, and enhancing collaborations with professionals allied to health care. These remain our primary objectives to this day. Contd. on page 9
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July 2015
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Inauguration of the... In the recent past our Association has moved further, to strengthen links with other organisations, whose policy decisions and activities directly or indirectly affect the health of the people. The Pharmaceutical industry, food industry, environment authority, tobacco and alcohol industry and road safety projects are some of the organisations to name a few. For example our own Nirogi project, funded by the World Diabetic Federation, in addition to engaging primary care physicians and specialists, is developing links with shoe manufacturers to design and manufacture shoes that provide proper foot care to diabetic patients. We have understood that stronger collaboration is required to address the increasing burden of chronic illnesses, much of which is related to two underlying factors, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Tobacco and alcohol continue to be scourges that affect the health of our population. Despite new policy formulations and implementation of regulations in many sectors, there has not been a significant reduction in the disease burden. The communities have to be empowered, to take responsibility for their own health, through education, and other preventive and health promotion strategies. In keeping with the theme for the year, “Connect, Communicate and Collaborate for Improved Health and Healthcare� SLMA has represented itself in discussions related to numerous national health issues. Many expert committee members of the Sri Lanka Medical Association and I have represented SLMA, in several media seminars, and policy related consultative meetings. Media are a powerful means of voicing our opinions, both to the higher authorities, and to the nation. Contd. on page 10
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Inauguration of the... It is our responsibility, to make consensus opinions, to authorities, after careful deliberation. There are several expert committees, and working groups within the SLMA which form the backbone of our Association. The expert committees discuss, and deliberate on current issues related to health, and provide advocacy to numerous stakeholder groups. Several important multi-stakeholder meetings were conducted by these different committees, and working groups. Prevention of childhood accidents, policy on obesity prevention, road safety, safety of water, alcohol and tobacco abuse, non communicable diseases, dengue prevention, chronic kidney disease, upgrading primary healthcare services, patient safety, and international trade in services, prevention of sexual and gender based violence in healthcare institutions are some of the areas where SLMA has either taken leadership or partnered. SLMA is closely monitoring the progress, and taking an active stance, to ensure that the closer economic partnership agreements (CEPA) and international trade agreements, when implemented, will not adversely affect the health service in this country. Moving on to the 128th Anniversary Congress, SLMA has put together a very comprehensive, and stimulating programme that cater to the needs of all categories of doctors, both specialists and non-specialists. It is important for all of us to have some basic understanding of new developments, in all disciplines of medicine irrespective of our own specialties. The congress provides the ideal platform, to update our knowledge, in advances that are currently taking place in many areas, of particular relevance to Sri Lanka. Contd. on page 12
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077 395 1513 /
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Inauguration of the... The three parallel session format offers variety, to suit different needs of participants, ranging from primary care to interventional cardiology. The three day programme also provides a platform for researchers to showcase their work, through free paper sessions. The popularity of this section is shown by as much as 274 oral and poster presentations being submitted. Additionally, the congress is enriched with 10 pre and post congress sessions, on topics ranging from Humanities in Medicine to Rural and Estate Health to Advances in Management of Allergy. The three orations embedded into the congress, named after three illustrious medical men, who were the stalwarts of the SLMA during their time, deserve special attention. I invite you all to attend this congress commencing tomorrow. I am very grateful to all the resource persons who agreed to share their expertise and knowledge during the congress. A special word of thanks to resource persons from overseas who have travelled from all over the globe UK, USA, Australia, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, China and Egypt to join us at the scientific sessions in spite of their heavy commitments at home. I sincerely hope that you would enjoy your stay in Sri Lanka, and find time to visit the beautiful sandy beaches, hill country with white foaming water falls, historic cities and many more attractions, that this beautiful island of ours offers you, while relishing the Sri Lankan hospitality. Organising a congress of this magnitude requires help and expertise of many people. I thank all the Past Presidents and Council members for their generous advice. I will be failing in my duty if I did not mention a few names of those who made this congress a reality. The traditional SLMA Health Walk
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and Run which precedes the congress was held last Sunday and was a huge success. The SLMA Walk and Run organising committee comprising young and energetic members of the SLMA Council was led by our treasurer, Dr. Samanthi de Silva. They did a fantastic job of coordinating all stakeholders and partners and my sincere appreciation goes to all who contributed to its success. The scientific committee was led by Dr. Padma Gunaratne, the Vice President of the SLMA. She and her dedicated team, has done an excellent job of organising the scientific programme which you will experience and gain much from, during the next three days. Organising the logistics is no mean task and was led by our able Council member Dr. Kalyani Guruge and her team. The two Social Secretaries Drs Preethi Wijegunawardene and Lasantha Malavige have planned the details of the social programme. A special word of thanks goes to, Dr. Christo Fernando for organizing the doctors’ concert to be held tomorrow evening. My sincere gratitude is extended to the Honorary Secretary Dr. Ranil Jayawardene and the four Assistant Secretaries Drs Shamini, Priyani, Sharmini and Sudarshi and pre-interns Kelani, JK, Dharshana & Yasitha for working tirelessly to make this event a success. All in all there were so many, within and outside the Council, who helped in numerous ways to make this congress possible, and I thank them all for the support extended. Finally I thank the many partners and sponsors, including the WHO and other UN organizations, the Ministry of Health and the pharma industry in assisting the SLMA with financial and technical support to make this congress a success. Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, I would like to state that attending congresses will be futile, if we are not conscious of the immense responsibility held by all of us, as doctors.
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Inauguration of the...
I call upon all the doctors to remember our primary commitment to the nation as health professionals, who have taken up the vocation to serve as doctors. While we continue to work through the challenges posed by low resources and inadequate infrastructure, we need to remember the sacred responsibility towards our nation, and particularly to our patients. Let us not forget that our predecessors have achieved very respectable health standards for the people, despite poor resources. We need to win our battles on the big issues, not for our personal and professional gain, but for the good of our people. We will advance the frontiers of research and science to improve healing, not for own prestige, but for the people. We need to stand together, and be stronger, in our service to every child, every woman, and every man in Sri Lanka, as the nation looks up to us doctors, with so much trust in us. And I hope that the three day congress will strengthen this commitment to our nation. Thank you very much for your kind attention
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July 2015
“Connect, Communicate and Collaborate for Improved Health and Healthcare”
T
he 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the SLMA held from 6th to 8th July 2015 at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo, was a massive success. The scientific programme was very stimulating and catered to the needs of different specialties as well as general medical officers. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Lalitha Mendis, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and Competent Authority of the University of Colombo on the topic “Should we shift the emphasis from technology to humaneness?” Three parallel sessions encompassing 9 different themes were conducted with contributions from many foreign and local resource persons. The sessions included 3 plenary lectures, 9 guest lectures, 21 symposia and 2 breakfast meetings. The congress also provided a wonderful opportunity for researchers to discuss their work with 78 oral presentations and 164 posters being displayed. The Professor NDW Lionel Memorial Oration was delivered by Dr BJC Perera, Consultant Paediatrician, on the topic entitled “A lifetime of research in pulmonology”, while the Dr SC Paul Oration was delivered by Dr Vasanthi Pinto, Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in Anaesthesiology of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. Her oration was entitled “Analysis of anaesthetic adaptations and observations in thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries”. Dr Chesmal Siriwardhana, Senior Lecturer in Public Health of the Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom delivered the Dr S Ramachandran Memorial Oration on the topic entitled “Epidemiology of migration and mental health in Sri Lanka: local insight for a global impact”.
The sessions were preceded by 8 pre-congress workshops held between 3rd and 5th July 2015 while two post congress workshops were held on 9th and 12th July 2015. More than 50 resource persons shared their expertise and experiences at these workshops which were very well attended.
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The 128th Anniversary...
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The 128th Anniversary...
SLMA DOCTORS' CONCERT ‘Music is the medicine of the mind’
T
he SLMA Doctors’ Concert 2015, held in conjunction with the 128th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the SLMA, was a true testimony to this statement. The event was held on 6th July, 2015 at the Galadari Hotel and featured a kaleidoscope of entertainment showcasing the multi faceted talents of the medical fraternity. The programme comprised a variety of solo and choral performances, both contemporary and classical, bringing to life many popular melodies. The music continued to flow with several instrumental performances of both local and
western origin, including an oriental drum display by three talented young brothers. The audience was captivated by the varied dance routines as several young dancers took to the stage in swirls of colour, light and music. The show also featured a medley of popular songs performed by the entertaining SLMA doctors’ band. Highlights of the programme were the unique ‘muppet show’ by a group of medical students and the interactive and audience engaging performance by two foreign invitees of the congress. In keeping with tradition, the show concluded with the SLMA Councils’ rendition of two much loved songs, bringing down the curtain on an evening of mesmerizing entertainment.
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SLMA doctors' concert...
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If undelivered return to : Sri Lanka Medical Association. No. 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Registered at the Department of Post Under No: QD/27/NEWS/2015