The service of skilled and dedicated health professionals is essential to achieve the future goals of the health sector, said Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
He said this while attending the awarding of Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas to 952 professionals in the fields of Paramedical and Paramedical (PSM) fields. The ceremony was held yesterday at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Diplomas were awarded to 526 professionals, including 449 Public Health Family Health Workers (PHMs) and 77 Public Health Field Officers (PHFOs).
Higher Diplomas were also awarded to professionals in the fields of School Dental Services (SDT), Pharmacy and Public Health Inspector (PHI).
Accordingly, Higher Diplomas were awarded to 426 professionals, including 39 School Dental Services Professionals (SDTs), 149 Pharmacists and 238 Public Health Inspectors (PHIs).
Addressing the graduates after the awarding of diplomas, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that strengthening primary health care is a key goal of the government in the challenging journey ahead in the health sector of the country. He also said that the services of skilled and dedicated health professionals are essential for the health service to achieve that goal.
It was emphasized that it is the responsibility of these new professionals to continue the progress and international reputation that Sri Lanka has achieved in a number of fields, including maternal and child health, and that professional development will be a great strength in overcoming the future health challenges of the country.