The Health Ministry has taken measures to improve training system of country’s healthcare sector to the proficient level to meet the international standard.
With this in view, a National Continuous Professional Development Programme (NCPDP) for the health sector professionals has been implemented with the aim of providing optimal healthcare to the patients by implementing a regular, efficient and quality health service in Sri Lanka. The programme will be carried out by the Education, Training and Research Division under the leadership of the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Samindi Samarakoon.
The launching ceremony of the NCPDP was held yesterday (28) under the patronage of Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana at the National Blood Transfusion Centre Auditorium in Narahenpita.
As per the statistics, more than 150,000 health professionals are employed in the health service in Sri Lanka under 268 different professional categories. The main objective of this training programme is to improve their professional skills. This is expected to further improve the quality of patient care services.
The Minister of Health presented certificates to 64 health professionals, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, who were registered and trained in the education, training and research department of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health has planned to award this certificate once every year.
Speaking at this event, Minister Pathirana said that this programme is a result of a long-term effort of the Health Ministry and through this level it is expected to train the healthcare professionals to achieve international standards.
The Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director Generals Dr. Samindi Samarakoon, Dr. Lal Panapitiya, Dr. Ananda Jayalal, Director Samantha Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Council, Prof. Vajira Dissanayake, Prof. Indika Karunathilake, as well as hospital superintendents, provincial health service directors, specialist doctors, doctors, and nurses also participated in this programme.
Ishara Mudugamuwa