The Certificate Awarding Ceremony took place recently at the Sri Lanka Medical Association Auditorium, marking a significant milestone in diabetes education.
Dr. P.G. Mahipala, Secretary of the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Their presence affirmed the significance of the program in addressing a major public health challenge.
The completion of the first batch comes at a critical time as the nation faces a growing epidemic of diabetes, with an estimated one in five Sri Lankans living with the disease.
As primary healthcare professionals are usually the first to see patients with diabetes, providing them with expert knowledge and skills enables effective care, and will help patients avoid serious health issues in the future.
The partnership for the Certificate Training Program between SLCE and Morison was formed in February 2024 and demonstrated a shared commitment to bridge this gap in diabetes expertise and improve patient outcomes while reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
The four-month course, designed and conducted by SLCE, in partnership with Morison, equips primary care doctors with specialized knowledge and skills crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of the disease.
It features an evidence-based curriculum combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including effective management, and prevention of diabetes complications.
The program ensures participants receive up-to-date knowledge adhering to the latest clinical practice guidelines and international standards.
The program intends to conduct two batches annually, further empowering primary healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive diabetes care, including therapeutics, lifestyle counselling, and complication prevention.
Dr. Niranjala Meegoda Widanege, President of the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists stated,
"This certificate course marks a significant step forward in ensuring accessible and quality diabetes care for all Sri Lankans.
By empowering our primary healthcare doctors, we are establishing a strong first line of defence against the diabetes epidemic".
She further acknowledged the fact that the handful of endocrinologists in Sri Lanka alone cannot take on the fight against Diabetes, which therefore requires significant contribution from primary healthcare professionals spread around the nation at grass root levels.
Dinesh Athapaththu, Managing Director, Morison Ltd added,
“We are pleased to collaborate with the SLCE to bring this meaningful initiative to life.
With a patient-centric approach across our value chain, we believe our latest efforts with the SLCE reflects our commitment to deliver a refreshing difference at a time it is most needed by the nation.”
He further mentioned that beyond this, Morison would explore ways and means through which this project can be expanded to meet the unfulfilled aspects of diabetes care through programs of similar nature in the future.
Staying true to their purpose of “Making Premium Healthcare Affordable”, Morison strives to play a major role in the fight against diabetes by bringing the latest therapies closer to the nation with an offering that stands distinctively different with the best of quality and price.
Morison, a truly Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturer with over 60 years of industry expertise, continues to invest in the local pharma manufacturing industry.
The company’s state-of-the-art facility in Homagama, compliant with European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU GMP) specifications, demonstrates a deep commitment towards a journey upstream of elevating the Sri Lankan pharmaceutical industry to the heights it deserves.