Sri Lanka's public health service marks 100 years

Sri Lanka's public health service marked its 100th anniversary with a grand celebration in Colombo, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event honored a century of service since the inception of the Kalutara National Health Unit in 1926, which was the first field health unit established in the South Asian region.

What began as a single unit has evolved into an extensive network, now encompassing over 362 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions. The backbone of this service is the public health team, comprising dedicated field officers such as MOHs, PHMs, and PHIs. These individuals build direct relationships with communities, earning public trust and contributing to transformative changes in healthcare delivery.

The centenary celebration, organized by the Community Physicians' Association, also served as a platform to recognize the significant contributions of 36 community health teams. These teams were lauded for their exceptional service in advancing primary healthcare throughout the country over the past century.

During the event, President Dissanayake also launched several publications, including the Centenary Commemorative Volume and a white paper outlining the future direction of Sri Lanka's community health service. Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa highlighted the sector's proud history, reliable present, and clear future, emphasizing its enduring importance.

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The public health service is a field with a proud history, a reliable present, and a clear future.