A delegation from the University of Jaffna (UOJ) visited SingHealth Duke-NUS with the goal of fostering academic and clinical collaboration. This visit comes at a time when there is an increasing need for global partnerships in medical education and healthcare, especially in the context of developing countries. The UOJ delegation consisted of five senior faculty members from the Faculty of Medicine. This report outlines the key activities, discussions, and facility visits that took place during the visit.
Delegation Members
- Prof R. Surenthirakumaran – Dean, Faculty of Medicine
- Dr S. Kumaran – Senior Lecturer, Family Medicine
- Dr S. Raguraman – Senior Lecturer & Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Dr B. Balagobi – Senior Lecturer & Consultant Urological Surgeon
- Dr Brammah R. Thangarajah – Senior Lecturer in Medicine & Specialist Nephrologist
Programme Overview
Meeting with SingHealth and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka
- On 14 September 2024, prior to the official visit, the delegation participated in a stakeholders’ meeting at the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple in Singapore. The meeting focused on advancing healthcare services in Northern Sri Lanka, particularly the development and collaboration on the Day Surgery Unit (DSU). The delegation engaged with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Senarath Dissanayake, Minister/Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee, and Vijaya Rao, Director of the SingHealth International Collaboration Office. Discussions centered around establishing strategic goals and joint initiatives in surgical care.
Meetings with Key Stakeholders
- On 15th September, the delegation met with Mr. Allen Pathmarajah, Executive Chairman of AJP Advisers Pte Ltd and Business Thinking Systems Singapore. Pvt. Ltd, as well as Prof. Tay Boon Keng, Emeritus Professor and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Singapore General Hospital. These discussions centered on innovative practices in healthcare management and potential collaborative opportunities in medical education.
Official Visit to SingHealth Duke-NUS
The delegation’s official programme began on the morning of 16 September, with a series of structured activities designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore collaboration.
Welcome & Opening Discussions
- The day commenced with a welcome session held by Prof. Thomas Coffman, Dean of Duke-NUS Medical School, and Prof. Tan Hiang Khoon, Deputy CEO of SGH and Group Director of International Collaboration. The discussions focused on enhancing collaborative projects and establishing pathways for joint research and education.
Clinical Sharing Sessions
Following the welcome discussions, the delegation attended clinical sharing sessions to learn about advancements in various medical fields:
- Day Surgery & Day Care Unit
Presented by Prof. Hairil Rizal, this session highlighted the effectiveness and efficiency of day surgeries in Singapore, showcasing how streamlined processes improve patient outcomes. Additionally, Dr. B. Balagobi shared insights on the commencement and implementation plan for the Day Surgical Care Unit at the University of Jaffna.
- Renal Replacement Therapy, Renal Immunofluorescence Tests, and Biopsy Services
Prof. Alwin Loh Hwai Liang, a Senior Consultant Renal Pathologist, discussed the importance of renal pathology in diagnostics, followed by Dr. Cynthia Lim Ciwei, who presented on clinical indications for renal biopsies, providing insights into patient selection and post-procedural care.
Facility Visits
- Pathology and Histology Lab
Guided by senior consultants, the visit included demonstrations of advanced diagnostic techniques utilized in pathology and histology, critical for effective patient diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Day Surgery & Perioperative Care Unit
The delegation observed the operational aspects of the Day Surgery Unit, including patient flow, preoperative assessments, and postoperative care, emphasizing Singapore’s efficient healthcare delivery model.
- IVF Lab and Clinic at KKH
Under the guidance of Dr. Liu Shu Ling, the delegation toured the IVF lab, exploring the cutting-edge technologies employed in reproductive medicine. The visit concluded with insights into patient management in the IVF clinic.
Visit to Children’s Day Surgery Unit
- The visit concluded with a tour of the Children’s Day Surgery Unit at KKH, highlighting the specialized care offered in pediatric surgery and anesthesia.
Meetings and Future Collaboration Discussions
- A significant session with Prof. Scott Compton, Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education at Duke-NUS, revolved around enhancing educational frameworks. Discussions focused on developing training programs tailored to the needs of both institutions, fostering a symbiotic relationship between UOJ and SingHealth Duke-NUS.
Virtual Meeting with Global Experts
- The delegation engaged in a virtual meeting with global health experts, including Prof. S. Arulkumaran, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St George’s University of London, and Prof. Teoh Tiong Ghee, Director of Maternal & Child Global Health at KKH.
Meeting with the High Commission of Sri Lanka
- On the same day, the delegation met with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore to discuss the DSU project further and seek ongoing support for implementation.
Conclusion
The visit by the University of Jaffna delegation to SingHealth Duke-NUS marked a significant step toward strengthening collaborations in medical education, clinical care, and research. The exchange of expertise during the discussions and facility visits provided valuable insights into Singapore’s advanced healthcare practices. This visit laid a strong foundation for future partnerships, particularly in areas such as day surgery, renal care, and pediatric surgery. With the shared vision of improving healthcare delivery, both institutions are well-positioned to work together on projects that will benefit both the University of Jaffna and the broader global healthcare community.
