#pharmacy in colombo

[katharinmartinus]

Service Excellence in Healthcare: The Role of Customer Service in Hospitals

Service excellence in health care refers to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care that meets or exceeds the expectations of patients, their families, and the community, whether it is offering services like surgery in Sri Lanka or a pharmacy in Colombo. It involves several key elements:

·      Quality Care: Providing accurate, timely, and effective medical treatments and interventions by the best doctors in Sri Lanka.

·      Patient-Centeredness: Ensuring that care is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of patients, involving them in decision-making processes, and addressing their concerns empathetically.

·      Safety: Minimising risks and preventing harm through careful protocols, procedures, and safety measures.

·      Efficiency: Delivering care in a manner that is cost-effective, avoiding waste, and ensuring that resources are used appropriately.

·      Accessibility: Ensuring that care is available and reachable for all patients who need it, without undue delays or barriers, including online doctor channelling in Sri Lanka.

·      Communication: Maintaining clear, compassionate, and timely communication between health care providers and patients.

·      Respect and Dignity: Treating patients with respect, ensuring their privacy, and honouring their values and preferences.

·      Importance in a Hospital:

·      Patient Satisfaction: High service excellence leads to better patient experiences, which can result in higher satisfaction scores and positive feedback.

·      Clinical Outcomes: Quality care directly impacts health outcomes, improving recovery rates and reducing complications.

·      Reputation: Hospitals known for excellence in service attract more patients and may be preferred by referring physicians and insurers.

·      Regulatory Compliance: Meeting high standards helps hospitals comply with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

·      Employee Morale: A culture of excellence often translates to a positive work environment, leading to higher staff morale and retention.

·      Operational Efficiency: Efficient practices reduce waste and streamline processes, leading to cost savings and better resource management.

Service excellence is crucial for ensuring that hospitals deliver high-quality care that meets the needs and expectations of patients, thereby fostering trust and improving overall health outcomes.

What is the role of customer service in achieving service excellence in a hospital

Customer service plays a pivotal role in achieving service excellence in a hospital by directly impacting the patient experience and overall satisfaction. Here is how it contributes:

·      Enhancing Patient Experience: Exceptional customer service ensures that patients feel valued, heard, and cared for throughout their hospital visit. Friendly, empathetic interactions with staff can make patients feel more comfortable and respected, which improves their overall experience.

·      Effective Communication: Good customer service involves clear and compassionate communication. This includes explaining procedures, answering questions, and addressing concerns. Proper communication helps in managing patient expectations and reducing anxiety.

·      Personalised Care: Customer service focuses on understanding individual patient needs and preferences. Tailoring care to meet these needs can significantly enhance the patient experience and lead to better outcomes.

·      Handling Complaints and Feedback: A strong customer service approach ensures that patient complaints and feedback are handled promptly and effectively. Addressing issues quickly can resolve problems and prevent them from escalating, contributing to continuous improvement in service quality.

·      Building Trust and Relationships: Excellent customer service helps in building trust between patients and the hospital. Strong relationships with patients lead to better cooperation, adherence to treatment plans, and overall satisfaction.

·      Training and Empowering Staff: Investing in customer service training for hospital staff equips them with the skills needed to handle various patient interactions positively. Empowered staff are more likely to go above and beyond in delivering excellent care.

·      Creating a Positive Atmosphere: High-quality customer service contributes to a welcoming and supportive hospital environment. This positive atmosphere can alleviate stress and improve patient and family experiences.

·      Improving Patient Retention and Referrals: Satisfied patients are more likely to return to the hospital for future care and to recommend it to others. Positive word-of-mouth referrals are valuable for maintaining and growing the hospital’s patient base.

Customer service is integral to service excellence because it directly influences how patients perceive and experience care. By prioritising customer service, hospitals can enhance their reputation, improve patient outcomes, and foster a positive, caring environment.

Which departments of a hospital should be more concerned about customer care and service excellence?

Customer care and service excellence are important across all departments of a hospital, but certain departments have a particularly significant impact due to their direct interaction with patients and families. These departments include:

·      Patient Services/Admissions: This department is often the first point of contact for patients and families. Ensuring a smooth, compassionate, and efficient admissions process sets the tone for the entire hospital experience.

·      Nursing: Nurses are in constant contact with patients, providing care and support. Their interactions greatly affect patient satisfaction, making it crucial for them to offer empathetic, responsive, and high-quality care.

·      Emergency Department (ED): The ED is where patients often experience high stress and urgency. Excellent customer service in the ED involves timely, compassionate care, clear communication, and efficient handling of emergencies.

·      Outpatient Services: Departments such as clinics and specialty services that handle scheduled appointments and follow-up care need to provide attentive, respectful, and efficient service to maintain continuity of care.

·      Patient Relations/Patient Advocacy: This department specifically handles patient concerns, complaints, and feedback. It is essential for addressing issues promptly and ensuring that patients’ voices are heard and acted upon.

·      Food Services/Nutrition: The quality and service of food provided to patients and visitors can significantly impact their satisfaction. Ensuring that dietary needs are met with good service contributes to the overall patient experience.

·      Housekeeping: Cleanliness and sanitation are crucial for patient safety and comfort. Housekeeping staff who provide thorough, respectful service contribute to a positive hospital environment.

·      Billing and Financial Services: Clear communication about billing, financial assistance, and insurance coverage is important for reducing patient stress and confusion. Providing transparent, supportive service helps build trust and satisfaction.

·      Facilities Management: Ensuring that the hospital environment is well-maintained, comfortable, and accessible contributes to a positive patient experience. This includes managing parking, signage, and overall hospital upkeep.

·      Administrative Offices: Departments like medical records and scheduling also impact patient satisfaction through their efficiency and the accuracy of information handling.

[mi4016thesandukandevidanalage]

script

In the 17th century, a Dutch soldier who fell ill near Colombo in Sri Lanka was sent to the Dutch hospital located in Colombo. The Dutch built many canals in Colombo to facilitate trade and also to facilitate hospitals receiving patients. This hospital has produced several famous surgeons. For example, Paul Hermann is known as the "father of botany in Sri Lanka". He was attached to the Colombo hospital from 1672 to 1679. 1680, He was offered the chair of botany at Leiden. But he did not gain a good reputation from his subordinates. It is said that: He was a true tyrant over his slaves, with blows and whippings; he was also accused of killing a female slave whom he let bury [sic] in the garden behind his house, and was for some days under arrest in his house, but was after set free.

In this hospital, a large number of soldiers and sailors are provided with special treatment for dropsy, epilepsy, colds, diarrhoea, fever, scabies and venereal ailments。 Leech bites can sometimes develop into ulcers infected with maggots, leading to the loss of limbs or life. Malaria and leprosy have repeatedly drawn the attention of the Dutch.

But fortunately, there are various expensive medicines prepared here. You can ask the chef what you want, and once it's ready, the black boy will bring it to you.

All hospitals managed by the Dutch authorities will receive a good beef soup and dessert. (Attempt to omit) Serious patients can get Congee, milk, chicken, soup, sago, and sometimes fruit or bread according to the prescription

But the patient must bear all expenses, except for the truss, which will be deducted from their salary.

In contrast, although many Dutch and Portuguese brought in black slaves and introduced diseases such as yaws, hospitals refused to allow these slaves to enter the hospital. Governor Joan Simons built a specialized hospital in the slave dormitory outside the city for this purpose.

Due to Colombo being the most populous city in Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, with a population of 296.6 in 1700 to 4652 in 1753, even the chief physician's residence in Colombo Hospital was used as a residence and warehouse from 1785, which was insufficient to accommodate only 180 patients. In 1786, a suitable pharmacy was renovated and expanded to accommodate 300 patients. But in the late 18th century, Dutch hospitals urgently needed repairs, according to the company's books, the total cost from 1764 to 1773 was 66031 Dutch guilders， But this not only does not include accommodation issues, but also the cost of purchasing water to make up for the insufficient water supply in the hospital for washing lavatories. Later, the British took over from the Dutch. Although the city wall was demolished and the canal was buried, the hospital was still used because of its spaciousness and convenience.

[semini-mga2024mi4016]

Final Assignment

Research

Since I was doing an animatic showcasing the interior of the building, I wanted to do some research on what the inside would look like.

According to these articles, the interior was described to have had a central courtyard and arched collonades. Along with that, it was equipped with a pharmacy, a surgery room, and a chapel. I hope to map out a rough idea of what this would look like to add to my storyboard

[alexawesomeblog]

Online Health Platforms: How to Safely Choose and Use Them

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of our lives, healthcare has also seen a significant shift towards online platforms for channelling centres in Colombo. These platforms offer an array of services including telemedicine consultations, online pharmacies, and health information resources. While these services bring convenience and expanded access to healthcare, it is crucial to navigate them safely to ensure privacy, reliability, and efficacy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safely choose and use online health platforms to channel doctors in Sri Lanka.

Understanding Online Health Platforms

Online health platforms encompass a variety of services:

1. Telemedicine: Virtual consultations with healthcare professionals.

2. Online Pharmacies: Ordering prescription and over-the-counter medications online.

3. Health Information Websites: Platforms providing medical information, advice, and community support.

4. Fitness and Wellness Apps: Applications offering fitness programs, diet plans, and mental health support.

Evaluating the Safety and Credibility of Online Health Platforms

When choosing an online health platform, it is essential to evaluate its safety and credibility. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Credentials and Licensing:

   - Healthcare Professionals: Verify the credentials and licensing of healthcare professionals providing consultations. Reputable platforms typically list the qualifications and certifications of their medical staff.

   - Pharmacies: Ensure that online pharmacies are licensed by relevant regulatory authorities. Look for certification logos like Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) in the United States.

2. Data Security and Privacy:

   - Encryption: The platform should use strong encryption methods to protect your personal and health information.

   - Privacy Policy: Read the platform’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used and protected. Avoid platforms that do not clearly state their data privacy practices.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

   - Telemedicine: Ensure the platform complies with telehealth regulations in your region. For instance, in the U.S., platforms should comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

   - Pharmacies: Check if the platform is compliant with local and international pharmaceutical regulations.

4. Reviews and Reputation:

   - User Reviews: Look for user reviews and ratings on independent websites to gauge the experiences of other users.

   - Professional Endorsements: Platforms endorsed by medical associations or health organizations are generally more reliable.

Best Practices for Using Online Health Platforms

Once you have chosen a credible platform, follow these best practices to use it safely:

1. Protect Your Personal Information:

   - Account Security: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication if available.

   - Sensitive Information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information. Only provide information that is absolutely necessary for the service.

2. Be Cautious with Medical Advice:

   - Consult Professionals: Rely on advice from certified healthcare professionals rather than unverified sources. Do not make significant health decisions based solely on information found online.

   - Second Opinions: For serious health concerns, seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider.

3. Medication Safety:

   - Verify Prescriptions: Ensure that any medications prescribed through an online platform are legitimate and approved by recognized medical authorities.

   - Be Aware of Counterfeits: Only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies to avoid counterfeit drugs, which can be ineffective or harmful.

4. Stay Informed:

   - Updated Information: Health information evolves rapidly. Regularly update yourself with the latest guidance from trusted health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

   - Beware of Misinformation: Be critical of the information you find online and cross-reference it with credible sources.

5. Know When to Seek In-Person Care:

   - Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies or conditions requiring immediate attention, visit a healthcare facility rather than relying on online consultations.

   - Complex Conditions: For complex medical issues, an in-person examination may be necessary to make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Online health platforms offer a convenient and valuable resource for managing health and wellness. However, the key to leveraging these platforms safely lies in discerning credible services from unreliable ones and adhering to best practices for data security, privacy, and informed decision-making. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can maximize the benefits of online health services while minimizing potential risks, ensuring a safer and more effective healthcare experience in the digital age.

[aligndentalcare]

5 Steps to Take When Your Tooth Filling Falls Out

Dealing with a dislodged tooth filling can be concerning, but taking prompt and appropriate actions is crucial to protect the affected tooth until you can see your dentist. Here are essential steps recommended by our dentists in Colombo:

Remove the Filling:

If you notice a loose or dislodged filling, carefully remove it from your mouth to prevent accidental chewing or swallowing. Preserve the extracted filling by washing it and storing it in a silicone bag, mylar pouch, or any airtight container, as it may be reusable.

Gently Brush to Keep the Area Clean:

With the internal part of the tooth now exposed, it's important to maintain cleanliness. Gently brush the affected tooth to remove bacteria and food debris. Be cautious not to injure the underlying soft tissues. Additionally, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution twice a day to keep the area clean.

Fill the Void with Dental Wax:

Pharmacies offer various types of dental cement that can be used to temporarily fill the void left by the dislodged filling. Placing a small amount of dental wax can help prevent the entry of microbes or foreign substances into the space.

Take Medication for Pain Relief:

Exposure of nerves and sensitive tissues may lead to pain. If you cannot immediately visit the dentist, consider taking over-the-counter medications or painkillers to numb the nerves and alleviate the pain. Persistent toothaches or signs of infection should prompt an immediate dental visit.

Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side:

The dislodged filling has rendered the tooth fragile, making it susceptible to damage from biting or chewing forces. Refrain from using the affected tooth for chewing until it is properly repaired or restored.

Bottom Line:

While dental fillings have a limited lifespan, proper oral hygiene practices can help extend their longevity. In cases of loose or dislodged fillings, the appropriate restoration options depend on factors such as the depth of the void. Delaying the restoration process increases the risk of bacterial invasion, potentially leading to more extensive dental treatments like root canal therapy (RCT) or even tooth extraction. Seeking timely dental attention is crucial to maintaining oral health.

To know more, visit: https://www.aligndentalcare.lk/essential-things-you-should-do-when-a-tooth-filling-comes-out/

[ganidu-mga2023mi4016]

Final Script for the Animatic

The History and the Architecture of the Dutch Hospital Colombo

Located in the city of Colombo, The history of the Dutch hospital goes back to the 17th century, when the Dutch East India Company built it to care for Dutch sailors and soldiers who arrived at the port of Colombo. It’s a remarkable example of Dutch colonial architecture. The building underwent numerous changes over the years, adapting to Colombo's changing demands. 

The structure is decorated in Dutch colonial style from the 17th century. It has two courtyards formed by its five wings. The high walls and large windows are characteristics of Old Dutch architecture in the tropics, which helps to keep the environment inside cool. Each of the building's wings has a broad, open veranda that runs its whole length. The walls are 50 cm thick, similar to those of many Sri Lankan Dutch structures from the period. Massive teak beams are seen throughout the building. The upper part of the building is located in the front wing and can be reached by a wooden staircase. A canal used to run adjacent to the building which was filled in later to create a narrow lane called the Canal Row.

During the Dutch colonial period, The front part of the building was used to house a pharmacy and the residences of the Chief surgeon and the pharmacist. While the center of the structure housed the Hospital, the rear included a kitchen and cattle shed. Following the Dutch occupation, it was used by the British as a military hospital and then later as a police station.

It suffered heavy damage in a terrorist attack in 1996. A focused effort was made to preserve this architectural marvel. It was restored with great care, keeping its unique charm, and reopened in 2011.

The Dutch Hospital Colombo is now a flourishing center for commerce and culture that skillfully combines the past and present. It has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination since it provides a unique dining and shopping experience.

Along with being a center of trade, the Dutch Hospital now serves as a location for cultural events like art shows and live music performances.

The Dutch Hospital Colombo's lasting legacy acts as a link between two worlds, the Dutch colonial past, and contemporary Sri Lanka as we come to the end of our tour.   

[lovebizarreoddities]

Antique Pharmacy Apothecary Colombo Root - 1 lb. Unopened w/ Contents

1 Pound of Initial Line Loose Pressed Colombo Root (Calumba) of Foreign U.S.P.

NET Weight - ONE OUNCE - 16 oz. to 1 lb.

Manufactured by The S.B. Penick & Co. Incorporated - Crude Drugs

New York, N.Y. U.S.A.

Asheville, N.C. Jersey City, N.J.

Colombo Root or Calumba root is obtained from Jateorhiza Columba, Miers (N.O. Menispermaceoe), a lofty climbing plant with annual herbaceous stems and swollen fleshy roots. It is indigenous to Portuguese East Africa, growing in abundance in the forests in the region of the Zambesi. The root is much used by the natives as a remedy for dysentery and other diseases. Colombo Root is employed as a stomachic and bitter tonic.

Available in our Etsy shop!

[umichenginabroad]

Week 3: Moving in!

Hello again & welcome to week 3! The first order of business this week was finally moving into my dorm room on campus. The rooms in my dorm, Colombo House, are all single bedrooms with attached bathrooms. There is also a shared kitchen where we have fridge, freezer, and pantry space and can cook. Here is the view from my room:

A horse racetrack! My room overlooks the Royal Randwick Racecourse where there are horse races! Unfortunately, I only saw them practicing this week, but I can’t wait to attend the next race or even just watch it from the dorm. 

Once I had moved into my dorm, it was much easier to get myself organized and explore campus. I love doing work in the morning at Plume, my favorite on-campus coffee shop, and then walking or running to the beach to get some exercise in and swim in the afternoon. 

Unfortunately, my week took a turn when I felt myself getting sick. Luckily, I tested negative for covid and was able to use my health insurance to find a same-day doctor. He gave me a prescription which I brought into a local pharmacy and I was able to get medicine within an hour. Very convenient!

I was feeling a bit better the next day and decided to venture out to dinner at Gigi in Newtown after doing work in the library all day. The pizza was absolutely amazing — I definitely recommend! After dinner, we explored the bars around the area and found some cool spots & speakeasies to grab drinks at. 

On Friday it was pretty gloomy again, so I did work and grabbed lunch with a couple friends from Michigan Engineering who also live in my dorm. Then I traveled to Redfern to meet up with a friend from home and went to two cool bars closer to downtown. The nightlife isn’t super prominent here, but it is still fun and a great way to meet new people from everywhere!

On Saturday, I traveled 45 minutes to Glebe Markets, an all-day Saturday market area with tons of stalls filled with vintage clothes, jewelry, records, and all kinds of other gizmos & gadgets. I will definitely be coming back another Saturday! Afterwards, I bought some cooking supplies at kmart and tried the “Australian Chipotle” called Guzman y Gomez…and it was pretty terrible in comparison to Chipotle. After coming home, we went out to the Coogee Pavilion (a favorite spot, as I'm sure you've gathered) and ended up at Bondi at midnight for late-night thai food which was incredible. 

After a few days of gloomy weather and doing work inside, today (Monday) was finally sunny again, so I headed to breakfast and then to the beach (seriously, is anyone surprised) with a couple new friends. Now, I’m getting ready for a group dinner at Bondi!

Wow, that was a lot of catching up! The past few weeks have been fun and pretty calm, but next week the traveling finally starts, so keep an eye out for the next post from a new location!

Anika Satish

Mechanical Engineering

University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia

[brijeshtiwaripune]

Sri Lankan hospitals go insolvent, surgeries cease, and patients go untreated

Entire wards in Sri Lanka's largest hospital are dark and nearly empty, with the few patients usually leaving untreated and in pain, and doctors barred from even having arrived for their shifts. An unprecedented economic crisis has dealt a fatal blow to a free and universal health service that had been the envy of the country's South Asian neighbours just months before. Theresa Mary, who had diabetes and high blood pressure that caused joint inflammation, travelled to Colombo for diagnosis at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. She had to walk the last five kilometres (three miles) of her journey because she couldn't find a ride for last leg of her journey. She was discharged four days later, still struggling to stand, because the pharmacy had run out of subsidised painkillers. "My knees remain swollen. In Colombo, I don't have a place to live. I'm not sure how far I have to walk." The National Hospital normally serves people from all over the island who require specialised care, but it is now understaffed and many of its 3,400 beds are empty. Surgery equipment and life-saving drugs are nearly depleted, and chronic gasoline shortages have rendered both patients and physicians unable to travel for treatment. Sri Lanka imports 85 percent of its doctors and health equipment, as well as raw materials for the remaining portion of its requirements. Read the full article

[muslimnikah]

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[katharinmartinus]

Service Excellence in Healthcare: The Role of Customer Service in Hospitals

[atlankalk]

This conveniently located apartment in Colombo 06 covers 600 square feet. It has 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (with hot water). The property has parking space for 1 vehicle as well as parking space for visitors. It also provides 24/7 security, a backup generator, lifts, and rooftop terrace. This apartment is located close to many essential places such as, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and so on, which makes it easier and quicker to get to them. #Atlanka #RealEstate #Realtor #RealEstateSriLanka #SriLankanRealty #SriLankanProperty #forsalesriLanka #Apartment #Colombo #Wellawatte #lka (at Colombo, Sri Lanka) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH7DZMQhX__/?igshid=eb75m3nd885p

[shiza-mga2024mi4016]

THE DUTCH HOSPITAL AND ANIMATIC IDEAS

The Dutch Hospital in Fort, also known as the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, is a historic building located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

It is one of the oldest buildings in the Colombo Fort area, having been built, according to sources somewhere in 1681, the late 17th century by the Dutch.

The hospital was constructed in order to manage the health and welfare of staff serving under the Dutch East India Company.

It was located in the fort area, and its location close to the sea was considered to be ideal for catering to Dutch sailors. Then, strategically located in which was then the center of trade and commerce in Colombo.

The hospital was designed in the typical Dutch colonial style, with a central courtyard and arched colonnades. It was also equipped with a pharmacy, a surgery room, and a chapel for the patients.

Architecture of the dutch of hospital

Interior of the dutch hospital

History of it being a hospital and current status

Independence: pre, post and present

Various activities and time-pass means, such as:

Shopping > boutiques, souvenirs and trinkets

Eating > exploring various cuisines

Cultural events > art exhibitions and music concerts

Wellness center > yoga, acupuncture and ayurvedic treatments

Lighting:

Natural lighting for the exterior and artificial lighting for the interior.

Washed out color palette that gives off a historical site vibe.

Sound Design:

Calm, soothing and reminiscent melodies.

IDEA 1:

Interior and architecture of the dutch hospital

Documentary/interview voiceover

Classical music, ambient sounds, jazz, instrumental and nature.

IDEA 2:

History of the dutch hospital

Documentary voiceover

Period-specific music, folk sounds, music instruments and military music

Some helpful links:

https://www.talesofceylon.com/destinations/colombo/attractions-in-colombo/dutch-hospital-shopping-precinct/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Colombo_Dutch_Hospital

https://lk.lakpura.com/pages/old-colombo-dutch-hospital

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/40172044BB1EFEB201932DA808E5ABB7/S0025727300043994a.pdf/the-seventeenth-century-dutch-hospital-in-colombo.pdf

https://srilankabycar.com/blog/uncategorized/from-hospital-to-shopping-hub-the-transformation-of-dutch-hospital-in-fort/

https://www.lovesrilanka.org/old-dutch-hospital/

FEEDBACK:

Maybe focus on one part of the dutch hospital, for example: why the dutch came to Sri Lanka and built the hospital and its’ use during the time.

[kittaroundtheworld]

Hol lakunk? / Where we live

[HUN] Bázisunk, lakhelyünk Weligama városa, ami kb 150km Colombotól. A Wikipedia azt mondja a név a homokos óceánpartra utal. Az év ezen időszakában ez a környék igen népszerű a szörfösök körében, Weligama maga pedig az ún. gyerekmedence, hiszen 3.5 km széles öble ideális a kezdőknek. Mi a folyó és a part közötti részen találtunk egy egyszerű, de tágas és tiszta apartmant, ami távolabb van (pár száz méterre) a forgalmas és zajos főúttól. Itt a vonat zaja már a madarak nem kevésbé hangos karattyolásával keveredik, majmok rohannak keresztül a tetőn, mókusok rohangálnak a cserepeken és kósza varánuszok sétálnak be a kertbe. 

[ENG] Weligama is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, appr. 150km from Colombo. Based on Wikipedia the name means "sandy village" referring to the  sandy beach. In this part of the year this area is popular among surfers, and Weligama itself is a perfect place for absolute beginners. We rented a simple but comfortable and clean apartment little far from the busy and noisy main road, where the sound of the train is already mixed with birdsong, monkeys and chipmonks are running through the roof, and sometimes a varanus appears in the garden.

[HUN] A város maga európai szemmel inkább egy nagyobb falu, de infrastruktúra szempontból van gyógyszertár, mindenféle bolt, és még egy otromba emeletes Marriot Hotel is. A forgalom első látásra rémisztő, főleg, hogy akár bringával, akár gyalog akarsz közlekedni, a hely erre ugyanaz: az út legkülső 35cm-e. Egyfajta közlekedési tápláléklánc érvényesül a kresz szabályai helyett, aki kisebb és sérülékenyebb az engedje el a nagyobbat, a bringás letolja a gyalogost, a motor dudál a bringásra, a tuktuk előzi a motort, van pár kósza autó, aztán jönnek a nagy játékosok, mint teherautó vagy az őrült buszos. Pár nap bringázás után már egész magabiztosan mozgok a táplálékláncban és csak kisebb sikolyok hagyják el a számat egy busz láttán. Ja és hála az angol gyarmatosítóknak mindez jobbkezesen.

[ENG]

The city seems more like a village to my European eyes however infrastructure wise we have what a city girl needs :), pharmacy, different shops, even a big ugly Marriot Hotel in the middle of the beach. The traffic at first sight is more then frightening, a kind of special food chain, where the bigger and stronger eats the smaller one. So the biker push the pedestrian, the motorbike rules the bike, the tuktuk is stronger then the mopeds, a couple of cars and at the end the big trucks and the crazy buses rule the world. After a couple of days of training I gained confidence and only when a bigger bus or truck is taking over me I start crying.

The beach road

Our neighbourhood

[humansofjcuhealth]

Head on view - a fifth-year med student adventure

Our fifth-year medicine student Madeleine Kelly shares her adventure on placement in Fiji. 

“Head on view” these were the words I heard on my first day of my three-week placement thanks to JCU and the new Colombo plan when I walked into the hospital's labour ward. Moments later I performed my first delivery bringing a 3.5kg baby boy into the world. This was a common occurrence during my elective where over 25 babies were born a day and in so many of them you got the chance to be the accoucheur. No training was done, you just got in and delivered the babies. Some days you were just going from room to room assisting or delivering, and other days you were in theatre helping suture caesareans. Each birth giving you the opportunity to measure fundal height, perform and interpret CTGs and locate the foetal heart rate. Some deliveries were quick and uncomplicated, while others required you to assist in suturing of tears, delivering the baby and sometimes even setting up IV infusions and drawing up medications before giving intramuscular injections. The hospital gave students free range to explore high risk clinics, maternal ICU, antenatal clinics and theatre. Despite the many obstacles and challenges this resource scarce country has faced the medical knowledge and skills are parallel to Australia. It’s not all business during placement with adventures to the Mamanuca islands to indulge in cocktails on the beach, snorkelling in crystal clear waters and limbo competitions until the early morning hours. Day trips to Malamala beach club with stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Visits to the local villages surrounded by magical hidden waterfalls to experience the traditions from Kava ceremonies to lovo (meat cooked underground). Evenings filled with dinners out with your fellow students and gold class movies at bargain prices.

At times in Australia we may take for granted the resources available. Something as simple as a dipstick often a test performed on anyone with urinary symptoms or fever, in Fiji it is lifesaving. Pregnancy kits, something cheap and readily assessible at local pharmacies in Australia, is rationed and often not available to these communities in Fiji. It truly is another world in Fiji in regards to resources but the local doctors remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and continue to be compassionate and holistic practitioners despite often overwhelming patient load. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity as it shaped me into not only a better clinician but a more compassionate and understanding human being. I highly recommend that anyone considering a placement like this, should go out of their comfort zone and jump at the opportunity to do placement in Fiji.

- Madeleine Kelly, 5th Year JCU Medicine Student 

[ganidu-mga2023mi4016]

Draft script

Narrator: The old Colombo Dutch Hospital, established in Sri Lankan colonial times, has been regarded as the most historic building in the capital town of Colombo Fort. It's a heritage building and a shopping and dining area now.

Narrator: The Dutch built the building as a hospital in the late 17th century to look after the health of the officers and staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. The hospital's close proximity to the harbour allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers.

Narrator:  The building reflects seventeenth-century Dutch colonial architecture. There are five wings that form two courtyards. They are intended to keep the heat and humidity down, as well as provide a comfortable environment. The walls are 50 cm high, as is the case with several Dutch buildings in Colombo during that period. The structure's made of huge Teak beams. The upper part of the building is located in the front wing and can be reached by a wooden staircase. Along the length of each wing, a large veranda encircles the entire building.

Narrator:  Over the years, this building has been used for a number of different purposes. It used to be connected to the canal, which was later filled by the British. In the 20th century, it housed a police station and pharmacies in Colombo Fort. It suffered heavy damage in a terrorist attack in 1996. It became a shopping and dining district in 2011, where the historic architecture was preserved.

Narrator: The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is a testament to the rich history and culture of Colombo, and a place where visitors can experience a blend of the past and the present.

THE END