The symposium on reproductive Health and Book launch on Subfertility -A guide to undergraduates, post graduates and clinicians took place on 15th of December 2023, 7.00 pm onwards at the Hoover Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. It was collaboratively organized by Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna &Ceylon College of Family Physicians.
The presence of distinguished individuals such as , Professor R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine ,Professor .S.Kannathasan, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna, Director of Teaching Hospital Jaffna, consultants from Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Dean from other Faculties Medical Officer in Health, Nallur ,General Physicians, as well as academic & non-academic staff, medical students, added considerable significance to this event.
The event commenced with a symbolic and traditional lighting of the oil amp. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, Director and Consultant and from Teaching Hospital Jaffna, the Dean from other faculties, academic staff, recognizing its integral role in our cultural tradition.
The welcome address for the event was delivered by Ms. Arathy, 43rd batch, Faculty of Medicine.
Continuing the program, Professor R.Surenthirakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, delivered a profound speech on the correlation between economic crises and subfertility. He emphasized that economic downturns may lead to changes in lifestyle factors that can influence fertility. He extended heartfelt wishes to the resource persons of the symposium and congratulated the authors on the successful launch of the book
On this momentous occasion, Dr. T. Sathiyamoorthy, Director of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, highlighted the imperative of disseminating information about the available facilities at Teaching Hospital Jaffna to the public. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this and underscored the need for a concerted effort to educate the community about the services and amenities offered by the hospital.
Professor S. Kannathasan, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, delivered a compelling speech expressing his happiness about the medical Faculty’s engagement at the community level. He indicated that subfertility is increasing in the country and congratulated the authors on their work.
The much-awaited symposium commenced with great enthusiasm. Dr. S. Kumaran, Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Family Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. T. Thanuja Gynecologic oncologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna and Dr. B. Balagobi, a Consultant Urological Surgeon and Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine also graced the event as keynote speakers. Their expertise and insights promised to enrich the symposium and captivate the audience with valuable knowledge in their respective fields.
Dr. S. Kumaran delivered the opening keynote speech, providing a comprehensive overview of Reproductive Health. In his address, he delved into the dynamics of the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity)environment post-COVID. Further he stated the significance of adapting to this challenging environment and explored the doctor-patient approach. He emphasized the importance of a primary care perspective throughout an individual’s lifespan for sustained well-being.
Following Dr. S. Kumaran’s keynote, Dr. T. Thanuja, a distinguished Gynaecologist, took the stage to delve into reproductive health from her specialized perspective. In her insightful presentation, she provided a concise introduction to family planning, emphasizing the importance of prevention and actively discouraging harmful practices. Additionally, she underscored the need to enhance cancer screening methods, contributing to a holistic approach to reproductive health.
Subsequently, Dr. B. Balagobi took thefloor to share insights on reproductivehealth from the perspective of urology.
In his illuminating talk, he delved into theintricacies of male sexual dysfunction,shedding light on its various aspects. Healso provided a detailed exploration ofmale hypogonadism and delved into thecomplex realm of male infertility. Further he elaborated on the understanding of urological considerations in reproductive health.
Following that, Professor Shyamale Samaranayaka delivered a virtual talk on preconception care and the role of the Family Physician. She provided detailed insights into preconception care, addressing challenges and outlining management strategies, with a focus on optimizing nutrition. Further she also highlighted the crucial role of the family physician in these circumstances..
Subsequently, tokens of appreciation were awarded upon the keynote speakers of the symposium.
‘Subfertility: A Guide for Undergraduates, Postgraduates, and Clinicians,’ has been was officially Launched by Professor K.Muhunthan, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
This comprehensive guide is authored by two esteemed experts in the field — Dr. S. Raguraman, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Dr. B. Balagobi, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
Dr. Raguraman delivered a succinct talk on the introduction of the book, “Subfertility: A Guide for Undergraduates, Postgraduates, and Clinicians.”
During his talk, he emphasized key aspects such as the future direction of subfertility care and the global perspectives on fertility and subfertility
The book was reviewed via virtually by Professor Arulkumaran, Emirates professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, former president of the Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics ,British Medical Association.
The inaugural copy of the book was officially presented to Professor R.Surenthirakumaran, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor S.Kannathasan, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, Dr. T.Sathiyamoorthy, Director of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Dr. Jebarathan, Medical Officer in Health, Nallur, and Dr. Ganeshkumar, representing General Physicians. Additionally, representatives from post graduate trainees and medical students were also acknowledged and honored during the presentation ceremony.
The event reached its conclusion with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr.Sanjeev, 43rd batch, Faculty of Medicine.
The symposium served as a tribute to Dr. Jeyendran, a collaborative partner with the Faculty of Medicine, whose contributions have empowered research, teaching, and services in the realm of male reproductive health and subfertility .Dr. Jeyendran has played a pivotal role as a resource person for the certificate course in semenology. Beyond his involvement in academia, he is recognized as a scientist, author, inventor, and veterinarian. And he delivered a virtual talk on male reproductive health, extending congratulations to the authors of the launched book.
A book stall was prominently featured at the entrance of the Hoover Auditorium, showcasing a diverse array of books authored by lecturers from the Faculty of Medicine.
The collection highlighted the wealth of knowledge and expertise contributed by the faculty members in various medical disciplines.
Books were offered at a 50% discount exclusively for students and participants of this symposium.
Participants were presented with certificates.
