Medical breakthrough could boost Sri Lanka's health sector

by Nilma DOLE

For the first time in Sri Lanka's medical history, an operation will be carried out to cure paralysis. The operation will be conducted by a Sri Lankan medical team headed by Prof.Mark Dallamore who has designed a special nerve regeneration microchip which will be fitted into the spinal cord of the victim to cure paralysis.

This milestone operation will be conducted at a leading Colombo hospital on an American motorcyclist who became paralysed from the waist down in an accident.

The Sunday Observer, had an exclusive interview with Prof.Mark Dallamore, the brains behind the operation. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Q: In what way would the medical breakthrough you're working on help Sri Lanka's health sector?

A: The Dallamore Neuro Spinal Implant is an innovative, high-tech device and its successful development in Sri Lanka shows that the island has the expertise to research, develop and utilise appliances at the very cutting edge of biotechnology. This could encourage further overseas investments in the technology sector and will reassure potential overseas patients that Sri Lanka has the medical skills for their treatment.

Q: Why do you think Sri Lanka is an appropriate medical tourist destination in terms of expertise and infrastructure?

A: Many of Sri Lanka's top doctors have been trained, or have worked, at some of the finest medical institutions in Europe and the US.

The best hospitals in Colombo compare favourably to their equivalents in the rest of the world.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lankans should value our medical health sector instead of going to other countries for treatment?

A: It is in every Sri Lankan's interest to have a good health sector here; even those who can afford to be treated abroad may find that there isn't time or they cannot travel due to various reasons.

By seeking out suitable medical staff and facilities in Sri Lanka, you encourage the best doctors to remain here, thereby bringing up the standards of the whole sector.

Q: How big is this medical breakthrough in terms of bringing Sri Lanka recognition?

A: The Dallamore Neuro Spinal Implant delivers unprecedented results for people with spinal cord injuries and is the first device of its kind to go into production in the world. As such, it cannot fail to grab the attention of potential patients globally.

Q: What advice would you give patients living overseas who are considering coming to Sri Lanka for their medical ailments?

A: Wherever you plan to undergo treatment, the most important advice is to do your research first. Look into the

background of the consultant, surgeon and other medical staff, and investigate the hospital facilities and their record.