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| Sunday, 1 February 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Marlene - a blessing to the medical profession by Neomi Kodikara
Therefore, a Gynaecologist should be a caring and understanding person blessed with affection and patience. Dr. Marlene Abeywardene, the newly inducted President of the Sri Lanka College of the Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SLCOG) is amply blessed with these traits. Her experience and dedication to the career were displayed during our lengthy conversation. Intense She joined the profession 34 years ago and at present she is not only successful in her career but also a blessing to thousands. She had an intense desire to do something worthwhile, meaningful in life from her childhood. Marlene, studied at St. Bridget's Convent till she entered the faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in 1965. The field of Obstetrics and gynaecology, though related to women, is a male dominated field in Sri Lanka as there are only 15 woman gynaecologists, in contrast to nearly 200 of their male counterparts. In the rest of South of Asia, particulary in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan the situation is quite the contrary which probably may be due to the cultural values and religious beliefs. However, our women have been happy going to male doctors, and many women did not seem to be interested in pursuing their studies in obstetrics and gynaecology. This may be because the field is quite busy as the gynaecologists must be prepared to work round the clock. And some may consider it as a impediment to a harmonious family life. However, the situation seems to be changing, with more and more young girls taking interest in the field. "I am extremely glad when looking back, this profession involves a happy event in life, unlike other fields of medicine which are depressing sometimes. I have been in the profession since 1970, and have no regrets at all," she says adding that if she gets the second chance she will still pursue the same profession. "I am extremely lucky, for my husband has been most encouraging, so has been my son, they both have been very understanding and very appreciative of whatever achievement I have made in my life. They have been pillars of support," she says. "I always try perform my duties in my profession and family life to the best of my ability, and so far no complaints of neglecting my duties from either," she remarks proudly. Armed with conviction that she would make it and a supportive family to motivate her, she set about. Today, Marlene is the 19th and second woman President of SLCOG and also the President of Zonta club 1 of Colombo. "I feel very honoured for the council of SLCOG to have sufficient confidence in me to make me their President and I am determined to do some service to the women of this country," she says, poised with the right dose of confidence. She took over the Presidency last January 3 for a term of office of two years. Among her many plans for the future, making women aware of their rights with special emphasis on rights in reproductive health leads the list. "We are targeting at improving the quality of health, by uplifting both primary health care service and institutional care to make life easier for them." Tremendous Over the years, she says that the SLCOG has worked hard to improve the quality of care given to the women of this country. The college in collaboration with other obstetricians and gynaecologists have achieved a tremendous amount in this field. The salient achievement is the reduction of maternal mortality in the country over the years, from 200 to 60 per 100,000 live births. However, still 86 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, if necessary care, equipment and staff can be provided. Maternal heath care available to pregnant mothers has improved so much and Sri Lanka has the lowest maternal mortality ratio in the South Asian region. It stands out as an example for the other countries in the South Asian Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. "Other countries in the region are looking up to us and asking for our advice on how we managed to achieve this," she says. Still, however there are many areas in which we need to improve ourselves. These include improving family planning and various health aspects of adolescent girls. She says that the College hopes to assist NGOs and other organisations that are involved in reducing gender based violence in Sri Lanka. "If we are going to have any impact on gender based violence in the world it is a must to change male attitudes," she adds. She sees women's rights as the same as the rights of human beings; right to life, right to education and right to make decisions. In our society many decisions are made for women and they are made to accept them. Right to make decisions is absent in many women in the South Asian region, where they are hampered and controlled by various cultural norms and religious beliefs. "But, we must not forget that there are many improvements in the country over the last few decades." When asked whether women should be given equal rights, she says that a woman should be given rights of a human being, she should be prepared to compromise and be flexible, but certainly it should not be a passive role. Women, when they are educated are greatly empowered, and the best possible way to compromise is not to try to change the culture but granting women the right and freedom to make decisions, at least concerning their lives. Education plays a major role in this aspect and women should be empowered with health education. "A lot of lack of awareness on sexual health, can be seen among women in this country, this prompts us to activate the awareness programmes on sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases," she says. The women from estate areas, Eastern province, Northern province and border villages, who have suffered due to lack of education, dearth of optimum health care facilities and difficulties in access to health care service available in these areas will be prioritised in their future plans. Maternal The criminalisation of abortion through 1883 law, has not stopped the practice of illegal abortion in the country and still 750 - 1000 illegal abortions a day take place in the country. Moreover, it is the fifth leading cause for maternal deaths, which are often due to infection and haemorrhage. Sri Lanka boasts of 87 per cent literacy rate but this only implies that they can sign their name, most of them cannot read and write. "This aggravates the situation among women," she says adding, "we have to increase our level of education among young girls of this country and also to reduce the school drop out rate, even if the women have not received sufficient education, we must ensure that at least they are aware of various aspects of health, such as nutrition, hygiene, diseases and sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, dangers of abortions etc." |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
The medical profession is a caring profession, not only do you
demonstrate this through treatment but also by listening to patients'
problems and in some instances offering advice, consolation or just
lending an ear. This caring quality comes in handy more in obstetrics and
gynaecology, where the gynaecologist has to mentor the would be parents.
