Sri Lanka National Consultation on Birth Defects Prevention and Control - April 2013

Sri Lanka National Consultation Meeting on Birth Defects Prevention and Control was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 17 to 19 of April 2013. Nearly 50 stakeholders representing various curative and preventive sectors attended the meeting to review the problem of birth defects and develop the National Strategic Plan on Prevention & Control of Birth Defects in Sri Lanka. Two experts from Centre for Disease Control Atlanta and the focal point of Child Health Development in WHO/SEARO contributed as resource persons. 
 

 

This workshop was organized at local level jointly by WHO and Ministry of Health. Dr. Anoma Jayathilaka (NPO – WHO) and Dr. Kapila Jayaratne (National Coordinator Birth Defects Prevention & Control – Ministry of Health) coordinated the organization of the workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

Moving beyond essential interventions for reduction of Maternal Mortality

High coverage of essential interventions do not imply reduced maternal mortality in the health-care facilities. If substantial reductions in maternal mortality are to be achieved, universal coverage of life-saving interventions need to be matched with comprehensive emergency care and overall improvements in the quality of maternal health care.

 

Please read the Lancet article on:

Moving beyond essential interventions for reduction of maternal mortality (the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health): a cross-sectional study

 

(http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)60686-8/fulltext?_eventId=login)

 

 

Activities - The Expert Committee on Ergonomics of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA - ECE)

The Expert Committee on Ergonomics of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA - ECE) launched several projects since its inception in the year 2012.

These include;

1. Transferring knowledge on Ergonomics to general public and key stakeholders
2. Healthy Schoolbag Campaign
3. Child Helmets
4. Occupational Safety and Health
5. Promoting Stretch Break - an ergonomic software for kids

 

Standards for Schoolbags Introduced to Bag Manufacturers

Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) has developed standards for schoolbags. With the objective of minimizing negative health effects and assuring a high physical quality and durable schoolbags for parents, these standards were finalized by a working group represented by different sectors including paediatricians, community physicians, education authorities, ergonomists, textile engineers and bag manufactures. Major features of a standard schoolbag include; backpack model, two compartments, padded and wide shoulder straps, waist belt, movable buckles and quality raw materials. These bags are specified in five different sizes to match with children body.

 

An awareness meeting for bag manufacturers on new standards was held at the Auditorium of Sri Lanka Standards Institute recently. More than eighty bag manufacturers participated at this workshop.

 

 

Dr. Priyadarshani Talgaswatte, Deputy Director General of SLSI explained the objectives of the workshop and said that the draft standards were even made available for public comments prior to the finalization. She speculated the possibility of making the SLS standards compulsory considering the circumstances in coming years.

 

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Consultant Community Physician and the chairperson of the Expert Committee on Ergonomics of Sri Lanka Medical Association who pioneered the healthy schoolbag campaign in Sri Lanka described the medical aspects of inclusion of different features of the schoolbag. Dr. Jayaratne functioned as the chairman of the working group on developing standards for schoolbags. He said ergonomic schoolbag is a healthy choice and requested bag manufacturers to make the healthy bag available in the market.

 

Mr. K.D. Bandula, Assistant Education Commissioner of Education Publication Department presented the role of the Ministry of Education in introducing the healthy schoolbag. He said that a new circular will be issued to more popularize the healthy bag among children, parents, teachers and school authorities.

Mrs Chandima Mallawasekara, Assistant Director, SLSI, described in detail different standards introduced for schoolbag. Deputy Director, SLSI, Mr. Wijaya Tissera explained the participants the mechanisms used to control the quality of standards for schoolbags.

 

Mrs. Sujatha Wijesinghe, a leading bag manufacturer, elaborated on maneuvers that can be adopted in producing schoolbags in accordance with new standards.

 

This was the first of a series of bag manufacturer awareness workshops launched by SLSI.

 

 

 

 

Safe Environmen​t, Enhanced Productivi​ty

 

 

"Promoting child ergonomics will have long term effects on children and most of the things can be done using our common sense"

-Prof Manouri Senanayke, Consultant Paediatrician

"The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to design the workplace so that it accommodates the variety of human capabilities and limitations to prevent occupational hazards"

-Dr. Mahendra Arnold, Consultant Community Physician

"Computer ergonomics provides solutions to multiple muscle aches"

-Dr. Nishan Siriwardane, Bio-informatics Specialist

"A safe environment leads to more productivity and efficiency"

-Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Consultant Community Physician, Chairperson - Expert Committee on Ergonomics (SLMA)

Safe Environment, Enhanced Productivity - Read DailyNews

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/10/25/fea20.asp

Expert Committee on Ergonomics conducts its first media briefing

The SLMA Expert Committee on Ergonomics conducted a media briefing to make general public aware of ergonomics and its applicability in Sri Lankan contexts.

Prof Vajira Dissanayake welcomed media personnel and elaborated on scope of SLMA Expert Committee on Ergonomics.

Dr. Nishan Siriwardane explained computer ergonomics.

Ergonomics influences people's work national developmen​t

Regional Meeting on Implementation of Maternal Death Review to strengthen Maternal Death Surveillance and Response

Regional Meeting on Implementation of Maternal Death Review to strengthen Maternal Death Surveillance and Response

-Bangkok, Thailand 27-28 October 2012

 

 

This meeting was conducted to to facilitate country level actions for improving Maternal Death Review, Surveillance and Response with the objectives of;

 

1. To discuss current status of country MDR/MDSR processes and methodologies
2. To share, disseminate and deliberate the findings of the MDR studies in five SEAR countries, comparing and discussing their approaches and build on country experiences to plan for the way forward
3. To update on tools on MDSR (including information technologies, both at community and facility level)  and familiarize with implementation guidelines on MDSR
4. To identify the next steps for countries, and to align these steps to the road map prepared on the translation of the COIA recommendations to actions

Sri Lanka was represented by Dr. Deepthi Perera (Director - Maternal & Child Health), Dr. Kapila Jayaratne (National Programme Manager - Maternal & Child Morbidity & Mortality Surveillance), Dr. Noirosha Lansakara (National Programme Manager - Planning & Evaluation) and Dr. Anoma Jayathilaka (WHO - NPO).

 

 

 

Sri Lanka's system was quoted as:

  

"Very advanced across different levels of system with central focal point monitoring

the actions".

"Nearly 100% maternal deaths reported timely and reviewed."

"Systematic annual reviews. All maternal deaths in an year are analysed at national

level, district disparities identified and outcomes shared with different stakeholders

and corrections actions discussed at high level meeting"

 

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne presented the Maternal Death Surveillance System in Sri Lanka;

 

 

A country action plan was presented to further streamline MDSR in Sri Lanka.

 

 

Multi-country Workshop to develop country roadmaps to translate the recommendations of the Commission on Information and Accountability

Multi-country Workshop to develop country roadmaps to translate the recommendations of the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health was held recently in Bangkok, Thailand, 24-26 September 2012.

 

 

Dr. Deepthi Perera (Director - Maternal & Child Health), Dr. Kapila Jayaratne (National Programme Manager - Maternal & Child Morbidity & Mortality Surveillance), Dr. Nirosha Lansakara (National Programme Manager - Planning & Evaluation) and Dr. Anoma Jayathilaka (WHO - NPO) represented Sri Lanka at this meeting.
 

 

 

Dr. Nirosha Lansakara presented the Sri Lanka country situation.

Opening Healthcare Gateways for Ergonomics

SLMA News, the Sri Lanka Medical Association's official news letter carried an article on introducing ergonomics to the medical community.
The July issue of SLMAnews is now online at: http://issuu.com/slmanews/docs/slmanews_2012_07

Movindu's Letter

Sri Lanka Medical Association to promote ergonomics for healthcare

Expert Committee on Ergonomics established under Sri Lanka Medical Association

Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), being the premier professional organization representing the medical community, took the initial step in promoting ergonomics in Sri Lanka by establishing an  Expert Committee on Ergonomics with the objective of promoting ergonomics to medical community, general public and in healthcare settings.

Ergonomics is an evolving specialty all over the world. It is the scientific study of the people and their work. Ergonomics helps in improving human performance and finds solutions to health and safety problems. With the advancement of technology and growing evidence, ergonomics has penetrated dramatically in to the healthcare field eg. Doctor-patient interfaces, healthcare equipments, service delivery environments, occupational safety and health (OSH), child ergonomics, school health etc.

Ample evidence is available on gross deficiencies in ergonomics in many settings both at local and global levels. Mismatched ergonomics result in multitude of negative health consequences and may have implications on economic development of a country. Feasible solutions are available to mitigate such negative effects. Preventive strategies have been initiated in many developed countries both at micro and macro levels. There are several fragmented approaches launched in Sri Lanka focused on ergonomics eg. OSH, ergonomics for children, healthy schoolbag campaign and healthcare facility ergonomics.

A health-led concerted effort is essential considering the significance and applicability of ergonomics to healthcare professionals in Sri Lankan contexts.

Activities of SLMA Expert Committee on Ergonomics will include;

1. To function as the umbrella body in promoting ergonomics

2. To map and collate evidence in ergonomics and health consequences

3. To synthesize and disseminate new knowledge on ergonomics

4. To advocate healthcare and other stakeholders in relevant sectors on issues related to ergonomics

5. To interface with national and provincial health professionals and other stakeholders (eg. other government bodies, INGOs) as appropriate to generate funds and to facilitate the implementation and adoption of ergonomic initiatives

6. To initiate and sustain activities both at national and sub-national level to expand ergonomics in health and relevant fields

Outcome:

Sri Lanka is seen as a model developing country. In a context of rapid technology transfer, promotion of ergonomics both at macro and micro levels will undoubtedly contribute to economic and human development of a nation. The SLMA, being the apex medical organization in the country, will be a partner in promoting ergonomics.

Doctors from different fields; public health, bio-informatics, psychology, occupational health, injury prevention, lecturers, administrators, private health sector, media etc, participated at the initial meeting. Several working groups were introduced to formulate a roadmap for the activities of expert committee.

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Consultant Community Physician, coordinates the Expert Committee as the chairperson. The convener to the committee is Dr. Chamaine de Silva, a bio-informatics specialist. Professor Vajira Dissanayake, President - SLMA, provides the guidance.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120722/business-times/slma-to-study-ergonomics-issues-sets-up-committee-6386.html

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Regional Programme Managers’ Meeting

on Prevention and Control of Birth Defects

20 - 22 March 2012, Bangkok, Thailand

Birth defects cause a significant social and economic burden

Birth defects diminish productivity and quality of life and cause a significant social and economic burden on individuals, families, communities and society.  Birth can cause lifelong impairment and may need costly medical or surgical treatment that may not be available or affordable, and ultimately require long-term care from families, communities and health systems. 

Regional Programme Managers meeting has been planned to review the current situation, advocate for national strategies for prevention of birth defects, disseminate global experiences and deliberate on strategic approaches that Member States would like to follow in the Region.

Specific Objectives:

a.             Discuss the draft Regional Situation Analysis on birth defects.
b.            Share the global situation and the global experience on prevention of birth defects.
c.             Identify opportunities for implementing interventions for prevention of birth defects.
d.            Obtain inputs from the countries on the draft Regional strategy on prevention and control of birth defects.
e.             Explore possibilities of regional and national networks of institutions on Birth Defects

Presentation of Sri Lanka Country Action Points:

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne

- National Programme Manager - Maternal & Child Morbidity & Mortality Surveillance

Southern Regional Conference - Sri Lanka Medical Association 2012

Sri Lanka Medical Association

Southern Regional Conference - 23 & 24 February 2012

Light House Hotel, Galle

in Collaboration with the

Galle Medical Association

Symposium on Health Challenges in THE SOUTH – The Way Forward

Chairpersons:

Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (President, Sri Lanka Medical Association)

Dr. Kapila Jayarathne (Assistant Secretary, Sri Lanka Medical Association)

The symposium was conducted in two sessions. The initial session to sensitize and collate issues was held on 23^rd February with the participation of relevant stakeholders from the Southern Province.

Prof Vajira W Dissanayake (President – SLMA) and Dr. Vajira Lekamwasam (President – GMA) co-chaired the workshop. Dr. Kapila Jayaratne (Assistant Secretary – SLMA) organized and moderated the workshop.

Prof Dissanayake while welcoming the participants outlined the importance of conducting symposiums of this nature to improve the service delivery in periphery and appreciated contribution of all the participants.

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, presented background health indicators of Southern Province in relation to national statistics. He outlined the objectives of the workshop;

   1.    To sensitize policy makers and healthcare administrators on the issues faced by healthcare workers in Southern Province

   2.    To negotiate for feasible solutions to improve the healthcare service delivery in Southern Province

Following healthcare professionals from different fields presented challenges they encounter in healthcare service delivery in the Southern Province;

·         Health Challenges in Galle District

- Dr. Vajira Lekamwasam (President – GMA)

·         Health Challenges in Matara District

- Dr. R.M.U.K. Rathnayake (Regional Epidemiologist – Matara)

·         Challenges faced by the Private Sector  in the Southern Province

-Dr. Aruna Rabel, Director – Medical Services, Hemas Hospitals

·         Challenges in Undergraduate & Postgraduate Medical Education in the Southern Province  -Prof P L Ariyananda, Senior Professor of Medicine, University of Ruhuna

The session to negotiate for solutions was held on 24^th February with the participation of Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, as the Chief Guest, ministry officials, politicians, healthcare administrators of southern province, medical professionals, public health workers and medical students.

Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, welcomed the Hon Minister and participants. He thanked Hon Minister for his contribution in addressing issues in the health sector in the Southern Province.

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne compiled and presented major issues identified at the workshop conducted previous day. Dr. Palitha Maheepala (Additional Secreatry – MS) facilitated the negotiation process for finding solutions.

Taking leadership – Making a difference

Dr. Kapila Jayaratne

Assistant Secretary, SLMA

The success story of National Schoolbag Campaign was described as a person-driven initiative to make a difference in the community by a medical professional. Four million school children would benefit as a result of introduction of an ergonomically designed healthy schoolbag.