President's Message

Professor Viji Thirukumar

Professor Viji Thirukumar

53rd President – Batticaloa Medical Association (BMA), 2025

MBBS, MD (Pead), DCH (SL), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Lon), FRCP (Edin)
FCP (USA), FSLCPaed (SL)

Professor in Paediatrics

Department of Clinical Sciences/ FHCS, EUSL

Hon. Consultant Paediatrician

Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

It is with great honor and humility that I assume the role of the 53rd President of the Batticaloa Medical Association (BMA). As we proudly launch our new website, I am delighted to share our renewed vision and strategic direction for the year 2025.

Our theme for this year,
"Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice through Research, Community Outreach, and Digital Transformation,"
captures our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation, inclusivity, and continuous professional development. This theme encourages us to go beyond conventional boundaries and address broader determinants of health—focusing on quality, accessibility, accountability, and sustainability in care delivery.

Key Objectives for BMA in 2025

  1. Expanding BMA Membership
    We aim to broaden our membership by engaging university academics, medical students, and doctors from preventive and peripheral healthcare sectors. We also plan to introduce international memberships to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  2. Fostering a Research Culture
    In collaboration with the Faculty of Healthcare Sciences at Eastern University Sri Lanka (EUSL), we seek to cultivate a robust research environment. Our goal is to promote evidence-based practices, particularly among professionals in underserved and peripheral regions.
  3. Expanding Regional Programs
    We plan to launch specialty programs in areas such as pediatric hepatobiliary nephrology, community pediatrics, and neurology, ensuring continued access to professional training and upskilling for healthcare workers across the region.
  4. Empowering Midwives and Nursing Officers
    Recognizing their vital role in healthcare delivery, we will introduce targeted Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs to enhance the skills and competencies of midwives and nursing officers.
  5. Strengthening CME Programs
    The successful implementation of CME points has led to increased participation in our educational activities. We are committed to expanding and enriching these offerings to support lifelong learning and clinical excellence.
  6. Community Outreach Initiatives
    We will continue our impactful outreach activities—including thalassemia screening, health education in schools, and medical camps in outreach medical officer of health —to raise awareness and improve public health outcomes, especially at the grassroots level.
  7. Integrating Digital Transformation in Healthcare
    In this digital age, we are embracing tools such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and online learning platforms to improve accessibility, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

A Note of Gratitude

I extend my deepest gratitude to my parents, husband, children, and teachers for their steadfast support and inspiration throughout my journey. Their encouragement has been the foundation of my personal and professional growth.

To all members and colleagues of BMA—thank you for your continued dedication and trust. Together, let us work to build a healthier, more informed, and compassionate society—guided by evidence, empowered by technology, and united in purpose.

Let us act now for the betterment of our region and the well-being of all Sri Lankans.

With warm regards,

Signature

Professor Viji Thirukumar
53rd President – Batticaloa Medical Association
2025

ALERT Important Notice: Registration for the 2025 Annual Scientific Sessions is now open!   •   CME Update: Next workshop on "Advanced Cardiac Life Support" at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa.   •   New Publication: BMA Journal Vol. 12 No. 3 now available for members.