The Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna and the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, proudly initiated a certificate course in Semenology (Laboratory Andrology) in collaboration with the Centre for Open & Distance Learning (CODL), University of Jaffna. The grand inauguration ceremony for this course, along with the launch of its supplementary book, took place on May 26, 2023, at the prestigious Hoover Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
Dignitaries from various academic fields graced the occasion, including the esteemed Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, who served as the chief guest. Also present were Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, and Mr. M. Karunanithy, Director of CODL, University of Jaffna, whose presence added significant value to the event. Notably, the event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Science, heads of departments, consultants, doctors, lecturers, staff, and the first batch of students enrolled in the course.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp by the chief guest and special guests. This was followed by a warm welcome address and an enlightening course introduction speech by Dr. S. Raguraman Senior Lecturer & Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who co-authored the book. Dr. Raguraman provided insights into the course structure, target audience, and objectives. The course aims to provide fundamental knowledge in subfertility and andrology, as well as develop skills in seminal fluid analysis and sperm processing for IUI/ART procedures.
In his address, Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Jaffna, elaborated on the prevalence of subfertility, the need for advancements in this sub-specialty, and the significance of expanding supplementary courses like this one. He extended his congratulations to the authors of the book for their valuable contribution.
Mr. M. Karunanithy, the Director of CODL, University of Jaffna, expressed his pride in facilitating the initiative taken by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Surgery. He also mentioned that various other faculties were eager to participate in this course.The chief guest, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, addressed the gathering on the importance of fertility awareness for the sustainability of the population. He shared his personal experience in seeking fertility advice and expressed his desire to improve the laboratory facilities by incorporating state-of-the-art instruments and homegrown initiatives. Furthermore, he commended the authors for their dedication to continuous learning in the medical field.
During the book launch ceremony, the book titled “Fundamentals of Semen Analysis – A Practical Guide” was inaugurated by Prof. S. Rajendra, a Professor in Surgery and Consultant Surgeon at the University Surgical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. Dr. K. Guruparan, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, joined the authors of the book, Dr. S. Raguraman and Dr. B. Balagobi, in this auspicious moment. The first copy of the book was presented to the chief guest, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna. Special copies were also presented to Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Prof. K. Muhunthan, Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mrs. Deivy Thabotharan, the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Science, and Dr. T. Gobyshanger, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Dr. B. Balagobi, a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Urological Surgeon at the University Surgical Unit, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, and one of the authors of the book, delivered an introductory speech. He shared his experiences in working with male subfertility and emphasized the importance of public awareness in this field. Dr. Balagobi also mentioned that this book would be beneficial for medical undergraduates and postgraduates, as they play a vital role in public awareness and their future careers.
The book was reviewed by Dr. T. Gowribahan, a Consultant Genito Urological Surgeon at the Teaching Hospital Jaffna. In his review, he applauded the well-structured content of the book. He further stated that this book, along with the Semenology course initiative, would serve as a stepping stone towards creating postgraduate studies in the field of Medicine at the University of Jaffna.
Finally, Miss. G. Vaishnavy delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the successful event to a close.
