The Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, is proud to announce the completion of the Clinical Training and Research Block (CTRB), marking the first significant construction for the faculty in 46 years. Initially proposed in 2017 with an estimated budget of 700 million Sri Lankan rupees and an expected completion date of 2019, the project was ultimately finished in December 2023 at an approximate cost of 942 million rupees, funded by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The CTRB will be ceremonially opened by His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on 24 May 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will also launch the Jaffna Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) in partnership with SingHealth Duke NUS.
Infrastructure and facilities The Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna currently provides undergraduate and postgraduate clinical training to over 1200 students and is involved in a number of international research
collaborations. The CTRB’s design addresses the additional demand for clinical training, and supports health service and research innovation, while demonstrating adaptability to evolving standards in medical care and education.
Key facilities include:
- The 6000 square meter building contains several lecture halls, clinical skill labs, and an
auditorium. - Operating theaters, recovery rooms, scrubbing areas, disposal zones, sterilization units,
preparation rooms, and storage facilities. - Personnel changing rooms, reception area, patient waiting rooms, counselling rooms, and
specialized units for endoscopy, vascular surgery, and mammography. - Research laboratories, a forensic investigation unit, and a museum.
- Service innovations
The CTRB will host several innovations to benefit patients and support clinical research and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Notable initiatives include: - A Day Surgery Unit (DSU) managed by the Department of Surgery supported by consultants from Teaching Hospital Jaffna. The unit promises to provide improved patient quality and experience, reduced waiting times, and significant cost-saving for the healthcare system.
- A Fertility Care Unit managed by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, supported by the Department of Surgery, and other consultants from the Teaching Hospital Jaffna. This unit will offer comprehensive services for infertility, including specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and treatment facilities.
- The Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) will facilitate clinical research on locally adapted patientoriented, cost-effective treatment methods.
- The Clinical Genetics Unit (CGU) will facilitate genetic diagnosis and disease management and provide knowledge for disease prevention.
The Jaffna Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC), a collaboration with SingHealth Duke NUS, is housed within the CTRB and will promote global health research partnerships, foster innovation, and enhance the clinical skills of healthcare providers.
The CTRB has been completed despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. The project’s success is attributed to the unwavering support and collaboration of the faculty leadership, the University, and regional and national stakeholders to secure land and funding for the project.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project. Their support has been invaluable. We look forward to further enriching this facility to achieve its goals.
