Achievements of health sector showcased

by Rohana Jayalal

The National Healthcare Exhibition is being held for the fourth consecutive year at the BMICH. It is organised by the Health Department of the Western Province, under the patronage of the Health Ministry.

The exhibition was opened by the chief guest, Governor Western Province Alavi Moulana.

Deputy Minister of Health Lalith Dissanayake and stakeholders of the healthcare industry were present at the opening on Friday.

The goal of the three-day exhibition is to focus on Sri Lanka's health care resources and create a direct communication pathway between industry experts and the public, to ensure that the public receives timely and accurate information that will contribute to building a healthy society.

The organisers of Medicare 2013 have made arrangements to provide a free health check-up and report for all those attending the exhibition. Over 150 local and foreign health service providers are showcasing the latest in health care, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Representatives from specialised hospitals for neuro care, cardiac care, women and children, eye care, as well as home nursing services, ambulance services, Government-run STD unit, cancer prevention unit, medical labs, self-operating medical equipment distributors, prosthetic services, in-vitro fertilisation services, and Indian hospitals that promote medical tourism are examples of the spectrum of industry bodies who attend the exhibition.

Experts reveal breakthroughs in detection, treatments and new equipment in areas such as cancer, elderly medicine, reproductive health, dental knowledge, plastic surgery, and cardiology.

There are stalls and seminars designed to target the most prevalent health issues among elders, students, parents, middle-aged men, newly married couples, and people with a family history of diseases such as diabetes.

Those attending the event will have access to accurate and important information with regard to health issues, and be updated on the latest technological innovations on health.

This in turn, will promote a healthy lifestyle.

They will gain access to a network of health care bodies and the opportunity to obtain medical advice and information, Director of Health Services Western Province Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva said.

Sri Lanka has recorded impressive achievements in health, family planning and infrastructure over the past years.

With the dawn of peace, Sri Lanka is well on the track of rapid development, and the health sector has the potential to take the leading role in this development process. All these endeavours will contribute towards the vision of making Sri Lanka the 'Wonder of Asia'.

The Government aims to foster a healthier nation that contributes to its economic, social, mental and spiritual well-being, and plans to achieve this objective by working in close coordination and partnership with the private sector to ensure the delivery of comprehensive and sustainable healthcare services of high quality, said Deputy Minister of Health Lalith Dissanayake.

The exhibition is open from 10.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. and concludes today.